Kuzu Kuzu Sarma
Kuzu Kuzu Sarma is a traditional Turkish dish featuring tender lamb wrapped in vine leaves, infused with aromatic spices and herbs. This Paleo-friendly recipe highlights the rich flavors of lamb while keeping the dish wholesome and healthy.

90 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Turkish
450 kcal
Ingredients
- Lamb shoulder - 400 grams, ground
- Vine leaves - 200 grams, rinsed and drained
- Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
- Fresh dill - 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Paprika - 1 teaspoon
- Cumin - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
- Water - 300 milliliters
Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, dill, parsley, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Lay the vine leaves flat on a clean surface, stem side towards you. Place about 1 tablespoon of the lamb mixture at the base of each leaf and fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from the base to the tip to create a small parcel.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Arrange the stuffed vine leaves seam side down in the pot. Pour lemon juice and water over the leaves, ensuring they are almost covered.
- Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 60 minutes, or until the lamb is cooked through and tender.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and extra lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
- Total Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Water: 0.3 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in high-quality protein from the lamb, supporting muscle health.
- Contains healthy fats from olive oil, which can promote heart health.
Tags
TurkishPaleoMain Dish