📍 Crimea and Bessarabia (southwest Ukraine)⏱ 85 min🍽 Serves: 4with meat

Grape-Leaf Dolma

Little parcels with a long shared history.

Where it comes from

Crimea, Sevastopol, Odesa Oblast

History

Dolma is found in many cuisines connected to the Ottoman cultural sphere. In Ukraine, it is cooked in Crimean Tatar families and Bessarabia, among other places. The name can refer to several stuffed foods.

Today

Jarred grape leaves are convenient; rinse away excess salt.

Ingredients

• 200 g jarred grape leaves
• 400 g ground beef
• 100 g rice
• 120 g onion
• 25 g fresh herbs
• 30 ml neutral cooking oil
• 500 ml water

Method

1. Rinse the leaves and remove tough stems.
2. Boil the rice for 7 minutes and drain.
3. Mix rice, beef, onion, herbs, and salt.
4. Place a small portion on each leaf.
5. Fold the sides in and roll.
6. Pack snugly in a heavy pot.
7. Add oil and water almost to the top layer.
8. Cover with a heat-safe plate, then a lid.
9. Simmer about 50 minutes until rice is tender and the beef filling reaches 160°F (71°C).

How to serve

Serve warm, with yogurt and herbs on the side.

Sources

• Cultural background

Check ingredients for allergens. Times and amounts are approximate.