One Bite, A Taste of the World! Easy Dolma Recipe | Stuffed Grape Leaves

Introduction

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Dolma is a traditional dish from the Middle East and Central Asia. These stuffed grape leaves are filled with a flavorful mix of meat, rice, and herbs, then slowly simmered until tender. They can be served hot, warm, or cold, making them a versatile dish for any occasion!

I first made this dish because a wonderful woman, who is half Iranian and half Turkmen, recommended it to me. She told me how delicious and comforting it is, so I had to give it a try. Now, I’m sharing this recipe with you!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 300g ground beef or lamb

• 1 jar grape leaves (about 60-70 leaves)

• 1 cup uncooked rice

• 1 onion, finely chopped

Herbs (adjust to taste)

• ✅ Parsley – A small handful (3–4 tbsp, chopped)

• ✅ Mint – 3–5 leaves, finely chopped (1.5–2 tsp)

• ✅ Dill – A small pinch (1–1.5 tbsp, chopped)

Seasoning & Other Ingredients

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

Prepare the grape leaves

Place the grape leaves in a bowl and pour hot water over them. Let sit for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Chop & mix the ingredients

Finely chop the parsley, mint, dill, and onion. In a large bowl, combine the meat, herbs, onion, rice, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Roll the dolma

Lay a grape leaf flat on a work surface. Place a small amount of filling in the center, fold in the sides, and roll tightly. Repeat for all leaves.

Cook the dolma

Layer the rolled grape leaves tightly in a pot. Place 4–5 lemon slices on top. Cover with a heavy plate to keep them from floating. Add enough water to fully cover.

Simmer & serve

Bring the water to a gentle boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 hours. Check for doneness and add more water if needed. Serve hot, warm, or cold.

Tips

✅ Roll tightly to prevent the filling from falling out.

✅ Pack them snugly in the pot so they don’t unravel while cooking.

✅ Use a heavy plate to keep the dolma submerged.

✅ Customize the herbs to your taste—some people like more mint, others prefer extra parsley!

Watch the Full Recipe on YouTube!

For a step-by-step video tutorial, check out my YouTube channel:

Let me know if you tried this recipe! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more delicious recipes.