COOKING ARMENIA: Dolma 🇦🇲

Traditional Armenian Dolma with Yogurt-Mint Sauce

Armenian Dolma, or Tolma, is a cherished dish in Armenian cuisine that embodies tradition and flavor. These grape leaf rolls are filled with a delicious mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic herbs, all delightfully seasoned and served with a refreshing yogurt-mint sauce. Perfect for family gatherings, this dish is a testament to the heartwarming art of Armenian cooking.

Ingredients

Dolma Filling
🥩 500 g Ground Beef, use your preferred brand
🍚 150 g Rice, Uncle Ben's Long Grain Rice is a good choice
🧅 3 medium Onions, finely chopped
🧄 3 cloves Garlic, chopped
🌿 1 big bunch Fresh Parsley, chopped
🍅 150 ml Tomato Sauce, Hunt's brand
🧂 15 g Salt
⚫ 3 g Black Pepper

Grape Leaves
🍃 300 g Grape Leaves in Brine, Krinos brand
💧 2 cups Water

Yogurt-Mint Sauce
🥛 1 cup Plain Yogurt, Olympic Krema Greek Yogurt Plain 0% Fat
🌿 15 g Fresh Mint, chopped
🧄 1 clove Garlic, chopped
🧂 Salt
⚫ Black Pepper

Instructions

1- Cook the Rice:

• Cook 150g of rice until partially tender.
• Set aside.

2- Prepare Ingredients:

• Chop the onions, garlic, and parsley finely.
• If using coriander, chop as well.

3- Create the Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, garlic, chosen amount of onions, and chopped herbs.
• Mix thoroughly by hand.

4- Add Seasoning and Tomato Sauce:

• Mix in the tomato sauce, salt, and pepper.

5- Incorporate Rice:

• Add the partially cooked rice to the mixture.
• Ensure it's well combined.

6- Prepare Grape Leaves:

• Rinse the grape leaves thoroughly to remove excess brine.

7- Roll the Dolma:

• Place a grape leaf with the rough side up.
• Add a teaspoon of filling, fold the bottom over, fold in sides, and roll tightly.

8- Set Up for Cooking:

• Line a Dutch oven with some grape leaves.
• Place rolled dolma in a circular pattern, seam side down.

9- Add Liquid:

• Place a white plate upside down over the dolma.
• Pour 2 cups of water and an optional splash of extra tomato sauce into the pot.

10- Cook the Dolma:
- Using a Wolf range stove, cook on medium heat for about 50 minutes.

11- Prepare the Yogurt-Mint Sauce:
- Mix the yogurt, garlic, and mint in a glass bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper.

12- Serve:
- Arrange the dolma on a serving plate.
- Serve with yogurt-mint sauce on the side.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Equipment:

• Small saucepan for rice
• Gas stove, Wolf range
• Wooden cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Mixing bowl
• Can opener
• Measuring cup
• Pepper grinder
• Jar opener
• Teaspoon
• Enameled cast iron Dutch oven, Le Creuset style
• Crate & Barrel white plate
• Small glass bowl
• Serving plate
• Spoon

Cooking Tips

• Ensuring the dolma are tightly packed prevents unraveling.
• Use a plate as a weight to maintain shape during cooking.

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Traditional Armenian Dolma with Yogurt-Mint Sauce