The Best Onion Dolma (Sarma) Recipe – Stuffed Onions Done Right!

ground meat

🥗Healthier: lean turkey

💰Cheaper: cooked lentils

Lentils provide protein at a lower cost.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is more affordable.

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: chopped walnuts

Sunflower seeds are less expensive and nut-free.

currants

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: raisins

Raisins are a common substitute and cheaper.

Take the top and bottom off the onion and peel the outer skin.

Slice the onion in a half-moon shape without cutting all the way through.

Boil water with a little salt and drop in the onions for about 10 minutes.

Prepare the meat filling by mixing 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of rice, 2 tbsp of tomato paste, 2 tbsp of red pepper paste, salt, pepper, all spice, parsley, and mint in a bowl.

Shock the boiled onions in ice water to stop cooking and cool them down.

Peel the layers of the onion and drop them into a bowl.

Take about a tablespoon of the meat mixture and place it at the back of the onion layer, then roll it up and lay it seam side down in a pan.

Add some tomato paste and water to the pan, then pour it over the stuffed onions.

Drizzle with a little lemon juice and add water halfway up the onions.

Cover the pan and let it cook for about 30 to 45 minutes until the rice is tender.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: