Iraqi Dolma (Stuffed Vegetables)
Iraqi Dolma – an assortment of mixed vegetables and grape leaves stuffed with spiced rice and minced meat, a beloved centerpiece for special gatherings.
Ingredients
- Grape leaves 0.5 kg
- Cored baby zucchini and small eggplants 1 kg
- Rice 2 cup
- Ground meat 300 g
- Chopped tomatoes and tomato paste 3 piece
- Dried mint and dolma spice mix 1 tbsp
- Garlic 1 head
- Fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp
Instructions
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1
Combine the rice, ground meat, dolma spices, dried mint, and a spoonful of tomato paste in a large bowl to prepare the filling.
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2
Roll the grape leaves tightly into neat small parcels, and stuff the cored zucchini and eggplants with the same filling.
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3
Arrange the stuffed vegetables and grape leaves tightly in a large pot, nestling whole garlic cloves between the layers.
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4
Pour in water mixed with tomato paste and lemon juice to cover the dolma, then place an inverted heatproof plate on top to weigh them down.
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5
Simmer gently over low heat until the vegetables and rice are completely tender, then flip onto a large platter and serve hot.