Dolma

Dolma is a traditional Turkish dish featuring vine leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and spices. This vegetarian version offers a deliciously aromatic and healthy meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

• Vine leaves - 20 pieces
• Long-grain rice - 100 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley - 30 grams, chopped
• Fresh dill - 15 grams, chopped
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
• Water - 250 milliliters

Steps

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in warm water for 20 minutes.
2. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the finely chopped tomato, pine nuts, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and drained rice to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the chopped parsley, dill, and lemon juice. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
5. Prepare the vine leaves by rinsing them under cold water and removing any stems. Lay a leaf flat on a clean surface, with the vein side facing up.
6. Place a tablespoon of the rice filling at the base of the leaf and fold in the sides, then roll it up tightly from the base to the tip, creating a small package. Repeat this process with the remaining leaves and filling.
7. In a large pot, arrange the stuffed vine leaves seam-side down. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top and add 250 ml of water, ensuring the dolmas are just covered.
8. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low heat for about 30-35 minutes until the rice is cooked and the leaves are tender.
9. Once cooked, let the dolmas rest for 10 minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, beneficial for heart health.

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