# Dolma (Turkish Stuffed Vegetables)

## Description:
Dolma is a traditional Turkish dish consisting of vegetables, such as grape leaves, bell peppers, or zucchini, stuffed with a flavorful rice and meat mixture. It is a colorful and aromatic dish, often served as a main course with a side of yogurt or a tangy sauce.

## Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Filling:**
   - In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of uncooked long-grain rice, 1 pound of minced beef or a mix of beef and lamb, 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves of garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped. Mix well.

2. **Blanch the Vegetables:**
   - If using grape leaves, briefly blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and pliable. Drain and set aside. For bell peppers or zucchini, cut the tops off and slice them lengthwise. Blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes, then shock them in ice water to retain their shape. Drain and pat dry.

3. **Stuff the Vegetables:**
   - Place a stuffed grape leaf (or a bell pepper/zucchini half) in the palm of your hand, with the stem facing up. Spoon a generous amount of the rice mixture into the leaf, fold the sides in, and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves/vegetables.

4. **Prepare the Cooking Liquid:**
   - In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water, 1 can (14 oz) of tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste). Bring it to a boil.

5. **Cook the Dolma:**
   - Arrange the stuffed vegetables in the pot, nestling them snugly. Pour the cooking liquid over the dolma, ensuring they are fully submerged. Bring it back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the vegetables are tender.

6. **Serve:**
   - Remove the dolma from the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and a dollop of yogurt, if desired.

## Allergens:
- Contains beef, lamb, and gluten (from rice).

## Cooking Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 45-50 minutes
- Total: 1 hour 15 minutes

## Substitutes:
- **Rice:** If long-grain rice is unavailable, use a blend of basmati and jasmine rice.
- **Meat:** For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with a mixture of cooked quinoa, chopped mushrooms, and spices.
- **Vegetables:** Bell peppers and zucchini are the most common choices, but you can also use eggplants or even tomatoes (halved and stuffed).
- **Garnish:** Instead of fresh parsley, use chopped cilantro or mint for a different flavor profile.