Minoo’s Recipe For ‘Dolmeh’

‘Dolmeh’ or stuffed vine leaves is another popular Iranian recipe prepared by Minoo (a.k.a. Mrs Beech). It can be eaten as a main meal with bread, or as an accompaniment to other dishes. In the amounts indicated this dish serves about 5-6 people.

Ingredients

4 cloves garlic, crushed

20 medium to large fresh vine leaves

1 pound minced lamb

1 and a half cups basmati rice

half cup split peas

2 finely chopped medium onions

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh coriander

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon cumin

2 teaspoons salt

3 tablespoons lemon Juice

Instructions

1. Fry minced lamb with onions, garlic, and coriander adding pepper, salt and cumin
2. Par boil rice and split peas
3. Mix lamb and rice/split peas together to make stuffing
4. Dip vine leaves in boiling water to soften
5. Fill vine leaves with about a tablespoon of stuffing (depending on size) roll leaves tightly, continue until all leaves are stuffed
6. Place ‘dolmeh’ in layers in a pan, adding sugar, lemon juice and one or two cups of water. Boil on low heat for c. 45 minutes. Can be served hot or cold