Cuisine : Dolma - Steps to prepare the dish

 

Dolma is a dish of middle east consisting of grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and various herbs. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

1. Grape leaves (jarred or fresh, blanched)

2. 1 cup rice

3. 1/2 cup pine nuts

4. 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, mint, dill)

5. 1 onion, finely chopped

6. 2 cloves garlic, minced

7. 1/4 cup olive oil

8. Juice of 1 lemon

9. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in hot water until they become pliable. If using jarred leaves, rinse them to remove excess brine.

2. In a pan, sauté chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until softened.

3. Add rice and pine nuts to the pan, stirring until the rice is coated and lightly toasted.

4. Pour in 2 cups of water and let it simmer until the rice is almost cooked.

5. Remove the pan from heat and stir in chopped herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

6. Place a grape leaf flat on a surface, shiny side down. Trim any tough stems.

7. Spoon a small amount of the rice mixture onto the center of the leaf, fold the sides, and roll it tightly.

8. Repeat the process until all leaves are stuffed.

9. Place dolma in a deep pan, arranging them tightly.

10. Pour enough water over the dolma to cover them, and place a heavy plate on top to keep them submerged.

11. Simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.

12. Let them cool before serving. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

Enjoy your homemade dolma!