Wrapped Up in Joy with Turkish Dolma Delights
Take a seat while we take on the world of dolma in Türkiye!
Dolma: An Emblem of Turkish Generosity
Exploring a long-lived culinary tradition as a symbol of hospitality and diversity.
Stuffed onions (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
Dolma is a traditional Turkish dish that consists of stuffed vegetables, such as bell peppers, aubergine, and most commonly, grape leaves. The stuffing contains a mixture of rice, spices, herbs, and sometimes meat. Different regions use various ingredients for the stuffing.
Dolma Unwrapped: From Ottoman Elegance to Global Flavor
The origin of dolma can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was a popular dish among the elite. Nowadays, everyone can enjoy dolma either in the comfort of their home or at an authentic Turkish restaurant, especially during festivals and holidays.
A cook of the palace (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
Having been a part of Turkish cuisine since the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, dolma has a rich culinary heritage. Thus, dolma’s renown extends beyond its culinary excellence and embodies a cultural significance within Turkish society.
In Turkish culture, it is a tradition to extend warm hospitality to guests by offering them a variety of food and drinks. As dolma is often served to guests as a kind gesture of warmth and welcome, it is considered as a symbol of hospitalitality and generosity in Turkish culture.
Stuffed vine leaves served with yogurt (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
In fact, dolma is considered one of the most remarkable dishes in Turkish cuisine as it is often prepared for special occasions and events. Preparing and serving dolma are not just means of showing hospitality and generosity, but also a way to showcase the host's culinary skills.
Stuffed with Flavour, Turkish Dolma
The name ”dolma" is derived from the Turkish word "dolmak," which means "to fill.”
With different recipes to create unique flavours, each region of Türkiye has a different variation of dolma. While grape leaves are the most common ingredient, aubergine, zucchini and even tomatoes are used to make dolma with various fillings with currants and ground meat.
The selection of dolma is not only limited to vegetables as there are also fruit dolma(s). These dolmas are stuffed with a savory ground meat mixture to balance the sweetness from the fruit, and as they are baked, the flavours harmonise for a wonderful taste!
While fruits such as oranges and tomatoes bring a strong taste to the dish, recipes using more mild-flavoured fruits like quince and pumpkin call for the addition of pekmez (grape molasses) to enhance the taste profile.
Stuffed vine leaves served with yogurt (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
The addition of fruit in different varieties of dolma brings forth yet another communal aspect to the dish that appeals to those with a sweet tooth; bringing families, friends and newcomers together for the shared love of dolma!
Stuffed vine leaves in olive oil (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
Dolma varities, especially yaprak sarma, are served at all kinds of special occasions from weddings to grand Ramadan spreads as a symbol of generosity.
A variety of dried vegetables prepared for winter (2023)GoTürkiye
9 Divine Dolma Delights of Türkiye
Indispensable for Turkish culinary heritage for centuries, dolma has evolved over time to include a great variety of ingredients and cooking methods.
Yaprak Sarma, Stuffed Grape Leaves
Starting off the menu with the most popular dolma, yaprak sarma, is the right thing to do! As it is usually cooked with olive oil and the recipe includes healthy ingredients such as grape leaves, rice and herbs, yaprak sarma is a light and healthy dish.
As the leaves are boiled / steamed, they get tender, while the filling stays a bit firm yet chewy, creating a unique balance of textures that compliment the fragrant flavours from the spices and herbs, especially dill and parsley, used in the filling.
Karnıyarık, Meat-Stuffed Aubergines
Dolma varieties are made from almost every vegetable in Türkiye. However, the most common ones are stuffed zucchini, bell peppers, and aubergines. An exquisite example is karnıyarık, consisting of aubergines that are stuffed with a mixture of sautéed vegetables and ground meat.
Enginar Dolması, Stuffed Artichokes
Known for its light flavour and tender texture, enginar dolması is prepared with an aromatic filling with rice, spices, and pine nuts. Unlike the traditional dolma, enginar dolması is cooked in a broth made from olive oil and lemon juice, giving it a tangy, adored taste!
Kuru Patlıcan Dolması, Stuffed Dried Aubergines
Hailing from hot climates of Şanlıurfa and Gaziantep, kuru patlıcan dolması is made by stuffing dried aubergines with a mixture of rice, ground meat. Stuffed aubergines are then slow-cooked in tomato sauce that infuses each dolma with a rich, savoury flavour!
Kabak Çiçeği Dolması, Stuffed Squash Blossoms
A delicate addition to Turkish dolma varities is made from squash blossoms! Kabak çiçeği dolması, which has a chewy texture with a vibrant flavour from the flower itself and rice, is particularly popular during the spring and summer months, when the squash flowers are in season.
Stuffed mackerel (2023)GoTürkiye
Seafood Dolma
While most dolma recipes call for vegetables and leaves, a royal culinary tradition dating back to the Ottoman Empire is the wonderful variety of dolma dishes made with seafood.
Hamsi Dolması, Anchovy Dolma
Larger fish like bonito and carp were among the most popular for dolma at the time, however, nowadays fish dolmas are prepared with smaller fish as well. Particularly popular in the Black Sea region, hamsi dolma made with anchovies and baked to perfection, is a remarkable example.
Midye Dolma, Stuffed Mussels
Midye dolma has been bringing the fresh catch from the coasts to tables since the Ottoman Empire! Either with a squeeze of lemon on top of the tender mussel or as is, midye dolma is not only loved by the locals, but is also a tourist-favourite for its aromatic, zesty taste!
Stuffed mussels (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
The secret to midye dolma lies in its intricate use of olive oil! As it is stable under high heat and also cold temperatures, olive oil makes the dish safe to consume both hot and cold.
The ease of service with the dish makes midye dolma a breeze to find all around the country, from the gourmet restaurants to street vendors! It is also important to note that while midye dolma was sold by the kilo in the past, today it is ordered by piece.
Mumbar Dolması, Stuffed Sheep Intestines
One of the most intriguing Turkish dolma recipes is mumbar dolması, prepared by stuffing the thoroughly cleaned large intestine of lamb with a scrumptious mixture of onions, tomatoes, rice and minced lamb. It is especially popular in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia regions.
Kuzu Gömleği Dolması, Stuffed “Caul Fat”
Caul Fat, the fatty membrane that surrounds the internal organs of the sheep, is stuffed with a mix of liver, rice, currants and so much more in this unique recipe! The crispy lamb provides a contrast to the soft, fragrant filling, making kuzu gömleği dolması a tempting dish!
Stuffed bellpeppers in olive oil (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
A Gourmet’s Guide to Stuffed Secrets
From its rich cultural history and regional variations, let’s dive right into interesting dolma facts!
Stuffed zucchini flowers (2023-01-01) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
Leaves Everywhere
Although grape leaves are the most commonly used leaf type, one can come across different types of local recipes with the leaves of countless plants.
Stuffed collard greens (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
Cabbage, beet leaves, cherry tree leaves, and even hazelnut leaves are among the other types of leaves used for wrapping.
Rice stuffed mussels (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
A Mussel Shell-abration
As mussels required intricate preparation, midye dolma during the Ottoman times was a prized delicacy! The dish was often served at banquets, and its popularity continued to grow over the centuries.
Today, it is readily available at most restaurants and street vendors!
Stuffed melon with minced meat (2023)GoTürkiye
The Pear-fect Dolma
While vegetable dolmas are the most popular, fruit dolmas have always been a gourmet addition to dolma varieties since the Ottoman Empire. Fruit dolma recipes include stuffed tomatoes, oranges, and even melons.
A variety of dried vegetables prepared for winter (2023)GoTürkiye
A Sun-sational Tradition
Vegetables used for kuru dolma still adhere to the age-old tradition of sun drying. Provinces in Southeast Anatolia, like Gaziantep and Diyarbakır, excel in sun-drying thanks to ideal humidity and heat levels, preventing discolouration and ensuring thorough drying of vegetables.
A meze table (2023) by GoTürkiyeGoTürkiye
A Morning Treat
A highly sought-after type of dolma, kabak çiçeği dolması, is made from the blossoms of the zucchini plant. What really makes it so precious is that the flowers must be picked in the morning. After a few hours, the blossoms close up, becoming no longer appropriate for stuffing.
A true testament to Türkiye’s rich culinary heritage, dolma varieties are a must-try for anyone seeking to experience the full range of Turkish cuisine!
