Lilyth Makes Traditional Armenian Rice Tolma! - Life of Lilyth Throwback

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier with a higher smoke point, while canola oil is budget-friendly.

grape leaves

🥗Healthier: cabbage leaves

💰Cheaper: collard greens

Cabbage leaves offer a similar texture and flavor, while collard greens are often more accessible.

broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasonings

Vegetable broth is lower in calories, while seasoned water is cost-effective.

Prepare grape leaves and soak them in hot water to soften.

Rinse and soak 2 cups of Calrose rice in water to remove starch.

Saute chopped onion and garlic in avocado oil until golden brown.

Add red pepper paste and a generous amount of tomato paste to the mixture.

Incorporate spices including cayenne, cumin, paprika, curry, basil, dill, pepper, mint, turmeric, and salt into the rice mixture.

Add fresh greens (cilantro and parsley) to the rice mixture and mix well.

Line a pan with torn grape leaves to prevent sticking.

Roll the grape leaves with the filling, ensuring they are tightly packed.

Place rolled dolmas in the pan and add sliced jalapenos and garlic cloves on top.

Squeeze lemon juice over the dolmas and add enough water to just cover them.

Cover the pan and cook on high heat until boiling, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: