Azerbaijan National Dish: The Most Delicious GRAPE LEAVES DOLMA Recipe | Life in a Remote Village

ground meat

🥗Healthier: chopped mushrooms

💰Cheaper: lentils

Mushrooms provide umami flavor while lentils are budget-friendly.

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: chopped walnuts

Sunflower seeds are lower in cost and still provide crunch.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits, while canola is more economical.

yogurt

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt adds protein, while sour cream is often less expensive.

Prepare grape leaves by rinsing and blanching in boiling water until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in rice, chopped parsley, dill, mint, salt, pepper, and cinnamon; mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Lay a grape leaf flat, place a spoonful of filling at the base, and roll tightly, folding in the sides.

Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

Place rolled dolmas seam-side down in a pot, layering them if necessary.

Add broth to cover the dolmas and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 45-60 minutes until rice is tender.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

Serve with yogurt on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens