Authentic Armenian Tolma (Dolma) Recipe: A Taste of Tradition and How to Make It

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often cheaper.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is more budget-friendly.

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Quinoa is a healthier grain option, while bulgur is often less expensive.

tomato

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes are healthier, while canned tomatoes are more affordable.

Wash grape leaves under water to remove salt and soak them overnight in clean water.

Chop onions, parsley, dill, and cilantro using a food processor.

Mix ground beef with chopped herbs, rice, and seasonings including paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, tomato paste, sour cream, and salt.

Add lukewarm water little by little to achieve the right consistency of the meat mixture.

Place grape leaves shiny side down and fill with a tablespoon of the meat mixture, rolling tightly like a burrito.

Layer rolled grape leaves in a pot, adding more open grape leaves on top to prevent sticking.

Cover the dolma with butter and a plate to keep them submerged.

Add water to cover the dolma and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours.

Prepare yogurt sauce by mixing plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, and garlic.

Serve dolma hot with yogurt sauce on top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: