Homemade Yaprak Sarma | A Turkish Classic

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are more affordable and provide a similar crunch.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is less expensive while still providing a neutral flavor.

ground meat

🥗Healthier: lean turkey

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Ground beef is often more economical than lean turkey.

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Bulgur is a cost-effective grain that cooks quickly.

Wash and drain 2 cups of Turkish rice.

Grate about 3 onions and add them to a mixing bowl.

Add chopped parsley, dill, and fresh mint to the bowl.

Add 2 tablespoons of Turkish tomato paste to the mixture.

Add spices including pul biber, black pepper, dried mint, and 2 teaspoons of salt.

Drizzle olive oil into the mixture and mix everything together with a spoon until well combined.

Prepare grape leaves by removing the stems and cutting them in half if desired.

Take a portion of the filling mixture and place it on a grape leaf, then roll it tightly.

Place any leftover grape leaves at the bottom of a steel pan to prevent burning.

Arrange the rolled dolmas in the pan on top of the grape leaves.

Pour olive oil over the dolmas and place a small plate on top to weigh them down.

Cook on the hob at a medium setting (number 4) for about 45 minutes, checking every 10-15 minutes for doneness and adding water if necessary.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens