Welcome to the enchanting world of Albanian cuisine, where rich traditions and unique flavors come together to create culinary masterpieces. In this gastronomic adventure, we invite you to explore the delightful realm of "Sogan-Dolma," a savory dish that reflects the cultural tapestry of Albania.

"Sogan-Dolma" is a dish that embodies the essence of Albanian hospitality, offering a harmonious blend of ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices encased in tender onion layers. Each bite tells a story of centuries-old recipes passed down through generations, connecting people through the shared joy of good food.

Join us as we unravel the secrets behind the preparation of this delectable dish, discovering the cultural significance and the meticulous steps involved in crafting the perfect "Sogan-Dolma." Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that transcends borders and brings the heart and soul of Albanian kitchens to your own table.

Albanian Sogan-Dolma Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 8 large onions
• 1 cup rice, rinsed
• 1/2 lb ground meat (beef or lamb)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups vegetable or meat broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Onions:

1-Cut the tops off the onions and peel off the outer layers.

2-Hollow out the inside of each onion, leaving a sturdy outer layer. Be careful not to pierce through the sides.

Prepare the Filling:In a large bowl, mix the rinsed rice, ground meat, olive oil, tomato paste, paprika, dried mint, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Combine the ingredients thoroughly.

Stuff the Onions:Carefully stuff each hollowed onion with the rice and meat mixture, ensuring they are well-packed but not too tight to allow the rice to expand during cooking.

Arrange in a Pot:Place the stuffed onions in a deep pot, arranging them snugly to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.

Prepare the Broth:In a separate bowl, mix the broth with any remaining tomato paste and pour it over the stuffed onions. The broth should cover the onions.

Cooking:Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the onions are tender.

Serve:

1-Once cooked, carefully transfer the Sogan-Dolma to a serving platter.

2-Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.

Enjoy:

1-Serve your Albanian Sogan-Dolma warm, accompanied by a side of yogurt or a light salad. Delight in the unique flavors and cultural richness of this traditional Albanian dish.

This Sogan-Dolma recipe captures the essence of Albanian cuisine, offering a taste of tradition and a satisfying culinary experience.

Nutritional Values:

Please note that nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. The values provided here are general estimates.

Onions (8 large):

• Calories: 200
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 8g

Benefit: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They may help improve heart health, support immune function, and provide anti-inflammatory effects.

Rice (1 cup, cooked):

• Calories: 218
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 0.6g

Benefit: A good source of energy, provides essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. The fiber in rice aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.

Ground Meat (1/2 lb, beef or lamb):

• Calories: 680
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 56g
• Fat: 48g
• Fiber: 0g

Benefit: High-quality protein source, rich in essential amino acids necessary for muscle and tissue repair. Also contains essential nutrients like iron and zinc.

Olive Oil (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 480
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 54g
• Fiber: 0g

Benefit: Healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart health, provide antioxidants, and have anti-inflammatory properties. It's also a source of vitamin E.

Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 13
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Fiber: 0.6g

Benefit: Contains lycopene, an antioxidant associated with various health benefits, including heart health and potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 1.2g
• Protein: 0.3g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Fiber: 0.6g

Benefit: A good source of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C. May have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to overall immune health.

Dried Mint (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 2
• Carbohydrates: 0.4g
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0.2g

Benefit: Supports digestion and may help alleviate indigestion. Contains antioxidants and has a refreshing flavor.

Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Fiber: 0.4g

Benefit: Rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. Oregano may have anti-inflammatory effects and contribute to overall immune health.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

Nutritional values can vary based on the amount used. These are typically very low in calories and provide minimal macronutrients.

Benefit: While used for flavor, it's important to use them in moderation. Salt provides essential minerals like sodium, necessary for various bodily functions, and pepper contains antioxidants.

Vegetable or Meat Broth (2 cups):

• Calories: 20-30 (depending on the type and brand)
• Carbohydrates: 4-6g
• Protein: 1-2g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

Benefit: Hydrating and provides flavor to the dish. Depending on the type, it may contribute additional vitamins and minerals.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish):

• Calories: 1-2 (negligible in small amounts)
• Carbohydrates: 0.2g
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0.1g

Benefit: A good source of vitamins K, C, and A. Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Adds freshness and flavor to dishes.

Please keep in mind that these values are approximations and may vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredient sizes.