Armenian dolma wraps a savory filling of meat, rice, herbs, and spices in tender grape leaves. The rolls are gently simmered until fragrant, juicy, and easy to slice.
Keep the filling loose and the rolls snug but not tight, since the rice expands as it cooks. A lemony broth keeps the leaves tender and bright.
Rinse jarred grape leaves well to remove excess brine, then blanch them briefly if they feel tough before rolling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature with lemon wedges, plain yogurt, fresh herbs, and a tomato-cucumber salad.
Recipe Notes
Dolma can be made a day ahead and reheated gently. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Armenian Dolma with Grape Leaves
Tender Armenian grape-leaf rolls filled with beef, rice, herbs, onion, and warm spices.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Small plate
- Chef’s knife
Ingredients
Dolma
- 1 jar grape leaves about 1 pound, rinsed
- 1 lb ground beef 80 to 85 percent lean
- 1 cup long-grain rice rinsed
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil plus more for the pot
- 2 cup water or broth hot
- 1 large lemon juiced
- 1 cup plain yogurt for serving
Instructions
Make the filling:
- Rinse the grape leaves. In a bowl, combine the beef, rice, onion, parsley, mint, cumin, paprika, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
- Line the bottom of a large pot with a few torn or imperfect grape leaves.
Roll and cook:
- Place a grape leaf vein-side up. Add about 1 tablespoon filling near the stem end, fold in the sides, and roll into a neat cylinder. Repeat.
- Arrange the rolls seam-side down in snug layers. Pour in the hot broth and lemon juice. Place a small plate on top to hold the rolls in place.
- Cover and simmer gently for 50 to 60 minutes until the rice and filling are cooked through.
Serve:
- Rest the dolma for 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with yogurt and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Do not pack the rolls too tightly because the rice expands.
- A plate on top prevents the rolls from unravelling.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with cooked lentils and extra herbs.
Nutrition
Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 760mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5g