Authentic Turkish Stuffed Grape Leaves Recipe – Olive Oil Dolma

The best stuffed grape leaves recipe with olive oil, rice, and herbs. Learn how to make traditional Turkish Yaprak Sarma step by step with this authentic guide.

🍃 Introduction

“Yaprak Sarma” (Stuffed Grape Leaves) is one of the signature dishes of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Tender vine leaves are carefully rolled around a fragrant mixture of rice, pine nuts, and herbs, then slowly cooked in olive oil. This recipe reflects the patience, love, and craftsmanship of Turkish home cooking.

🧂 Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 cup rice
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp pine nuts
• 1 tbsp currants
• 1 tsp mint
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt, black pepper, cinnamon (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon

For the wrapping:

• 250 g vine leaves
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 lemon
• 1 cup hot water

🔥 Instructions

1. Rinse the rice and drain. Sauté chopped onions in olive oil.
2. Add pine nuts and cook until golden. Stir in rice and cook for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add currants, spices, and lemon juice. Mix and let the filling cool.
4. Soften vine leaves in hot water, then drain.
5. Place each leaf shiny side down, add a spoonful of filling, fold sides and roll tightly.
6. Line the pot with a few leaves, then arrange rolls neatly.
7. Pour over a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and hot water.
8. Cover and cook gently for 35–40 minutes until tender.

🍋 Serving Tips

Serve cooled, garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley. Perfect with yogurt or tzatziki on the side.

💚 Nutrition Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats from olive oil.
• Supports heart health and digestion.
• Provides plant-based protein and minerals.