Welcome to a culinary adventure that transcends borders and takes you straight to the heart of Azerbaijani cuisine. In the rich tapestry of Azerbaijani gastronomy, one dish stands out as a true emblem of tradition and taste – Dolma. Bursting with a harmonious blend of flavors, Azerbaijani Dolma is a dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also encapsulates the cultural essence of this beautiful country.Dolma, meaning "to stuff" in Turkish, is a culinary masterpiece that has found its way into the hearts of food enthusiasts around the world. In Azerbaijan, the preparation of Dolma is an art form, passed down through generations, with each family adding its unique touch to the recipe. This dish is a celebration of the bounty provided by the Azerbaijani soil and the vibrant tapestry of flavors that define the region.

Join us as we embark on a journey to unravel the secrets behind Azerbaijani Dolma, exploring the ingredients, techniques, and cultural significance that make this dish a culinary gem. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook eager to experiment with new flavors, Azerbaijani Dolma is sure to captivate your senses and transport you to the enchanting world of Azerbaijani cuisine.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grape leaves (fresh or preserved in brine)
• 1 cup minced lamb or beef
• 1 cup rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth

Instructions:

Prepare the Grape Leaves:If using preserved grape leaves, rinse them under cold water to remove excess brine. If using fresh leaves, blanch them in hot water for a few minutes until they become tender. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Filling:In a large mixing bowl, combine minced meat, washed rice, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, parsley, mint, olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Assemble the Dolma:Lay a grape leaf flat on a clean surface with the vein side up. Place a small spoonful of the meat and rice mixture in the center of the leaf, folding in the sides and rolling tightly to form a neat package. Repeat until all leaves are filled.

Layer the Dolma in the Pot:In a wide, heavy-bottomed pot, arrange a layer of lemon slices at the bottom. Place the stuffed grape leaves neatly in layers, seam side down, tightly packed to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.

Cooking:Pour water or vegetable broth over the dolma until they are just covered. Place a heavy plate on top of the dolma to keep them in place while cooking. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.

Serve:Once cooked, carefully remove the dolma from the pot and arrange them on a serving platter. Garnish with additional lemon slices, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Enjoy:

Serve your Azerbaijani Dolma warm, perhaps with a dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon. Revel in the delightful combination of tender grape leaves, flavorful meat, and aromatic spices that make this dish a true taste of Azerbaijani culinary heritage.

Nutritional Values:

It's challenging to provide exact nutritional values as they can vary based on factors like specific product brands and sizes, cooking methods, and individual variations in ingredients. However, I can offer approximate values for the listed ingredients based on general nutritional information:

Nutritional Values (Approximate per serving, assuming the recipe serves 4):

Grape Leaves (1 cup):

• Calories: 20
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants.
• High in vitamins A and K.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties.

Minced Lamb or Beef (1 cup):

• Calories: 340
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein.
• Provides essential B-vitamins, including B12.
• Contains important minerals like iron and zinc.

Rice, uncooked (1 cup):

• Calories: 680
• Carbohydrates: 150g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Fiber: 6g

benefits:

• Good source of energy.
• Contains essential minerals like manganese and selenium.
• Provides dietary fiber for digestive health.

Onion (1 large):

• Calories: 60
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, especially quercetin.
• Contains anti-inflammatory compounds.
• May help lower blood sugar levels.

Tomatoes (2 medium):

• Calories: 50
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C and potassium.
• Rich in antioxidants, including lycopene.
• May contribute to heart health.

Fresh Parsley (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 10
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin K.
• Provides vitamin C and A.
• Contains antioxidants with potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Fresh Mint (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 2
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Aids digestion and can help alleviate indigestion.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• May contribute to improved respiratory health.

Olive Oil (3 tablespoons):

• Calories: 360
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 42g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Healthy monounsaturated fats for heart health.
• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• May help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Lemon (1 medium):

• Calories: 17
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, boosting the immune system.
• Contains antioxidants with potential health benefits.
• May aid digestion and promote skin health.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• Nutritional values for salt and pepper are negligible as they are typically used in small amounts for seasoning.

benefits: While used in small amounts for flavoring, they add trace minerals.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants with potential health benefits.
• May aid digestion and improve blood sugar control.

Ground Coriander (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 5
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants.
• Contains immune-boosting properties.
• May have anti-inflammatory effects.

Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• May have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Can help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Contains antimicrobial properties.

Water or Vegetable Broth (2 cups):

• Nutritional values for water and vegetable broth are negligible.

benefits:

• Essential for hydration.
• Vegetable broth adds additional vitamins and minerals.

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. It's recommended to check product labels for accurate nutritional information.