GRANDMA’S JUICY DOLMA RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground Beef (can substitute ground lamb or turkey)
• 1 cup Cooked Rice (prefer long‑grain white rice, cooled)
• 1 medium Onion (finely diced)
• 5 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced very fine)
• 1 large Egg (beaten)
• 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Ground Coriander
• ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
• 1 jar Canned Grape Leaves (drained, can use fresh if preferred)
• 2 cups Beef Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
• 2 pieces Bay Leaves
• 3 Tbsp Sour Cream
• 3 Tbsp Kefir
• 3 pieces Garlic Cloves (for sauce) (minced)

Instructions

1. Dice Onion and Mince Garlic

   Finely dice the medium onion and mince all five garlic cloves as small as possible.

   Time: PT10M

2. Combine Filling Ingredients

   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed.

   Time: PT10M

3. Soften Fresh Grape Leaves (Optional)

   If using fresh grape leaves, place them in a bowl, pour boiling water over them and let sit for about 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

   Time: PT5M

4. Trim and Roll Dolmas

   Trim the thick stem from each leaf if needed. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center, fold the sides over, and roll tightly into a cigar shape. Use two small leaves together if a leaf is too thin.

   Time: PT20M

5. Layer Dolmas in Pot

   Line the bottom of a large pot with a few spare grape leaves. Arrange all rolled dolmas tightly, seam side down. Sprinkle a little extra cumin, salt, and black pepper on top, add the two bay leaves and a handful of fresh cilantro.

   Time: PT10M

6. Add Broth and Simmer

   Pour beef broth over the dolmas until the liquid comes about three‑quarters of the way up the rolls (do not fully cover). Place the pot over high heat until the first bubbles appear, then cover, reduce heat to very low, and let simmer gently for about 2 hours.

   Time: PT2H10M

7. Prepare Garlic Yogurt Sauce

   In a small bowl, combine sour cream, kefir, a pinch of salt, black pepper, chopped cilantro, and the minced garlic cloves for the sauce. Mix well and let sit for a few minutes to blend flavors.

   Time: PT5M

8. Serve

   Transfer the hot dolmas to a serving platter, drizzle or serve the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy while hot!

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

480

Protein

20 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

4 g