Saudi Gazette It is known to us as waraq al enab, but worldwide it is known as dolma. It is a family of stuffed vegetables. Dolma was originally founded in cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire. It is served all around the world, especially in places like Syria, Lebanon and Palestine.The name dolma comes originally from the Turkish word Dolmak, which means (to be stuffed). The ingredients for Dolma are generally vegetables like onions, parsley and herbs. Dolma comes in many types. There is the Levantine Dolma, which includes potatoes in the plate to give it a good look. There is the Sarma, which is a classic dolma. Also there is the Azerbaijani type of dalma, which includes lamb meat in the mixture with rice. In Ramadan dolma is considered as a main dish in Arab countries. Ingredients * 3 cups uncooked white rice * 1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley * 1 pound ground beef * 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice * 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper * 1/4 teaspoon curry powder (optional) * 1 (16 ounce) jar grape leaves, drained and rinsed * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil * 1 potato, sliced into rounds * 1 cup canned tomato sauce * 2 cups water, or as needed Directions 1. In a medium bowl, mix together the uncooked rice, ground beef, parsley, allspice, pepper and curry powder until well blended. 2. Pour oil into the bottom of a large pot, and spread to cover. Make a layer of potato slices to cover the bottom of the pan. The dolmas should not be able to touch the bottom of the pan. 3. Lay the grape leaves out flat on a cutting board. Place about a tablespoon of the beef mixture in the center of one leaf. Fold sides in towards the center, then roll up from the bottom loosely. Set in the pot seam side down. Repeat with the remaining mixture and leaves. For large leaves, you may cut them in half at the center vein. Place a heavy dinner plate on top of the dolma to keep them from unraveling. The cooking pot should be about 2/3 full. 4. Pour tomato sauce and water over the dolma. The liquid should cover them by at least one inch. Adjust the amount of water if necessary. Bring to a boil, then cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until all liquid has been absorbed and rice is tender. __
