Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1174 · Iraqi Dolma (Stuffed Vegetables in Tamarind)

Iraqi Dolma (Stuffed Vegetables in Tamarind), and where to source it

Iraqi Dolma (Stuffed Vegetables in Tamarind) — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Iraqi Dolma (Stuffed Vegetables in Tamarind) Iraqi 5best2buy.com

Weight the packed dolma with an inverted plate before simmering so the parcels stay submerged and hold their shape, or they float loose and unroll into the broth.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep70 min
Cook75 min
Makesone large pot, serves 8
CuisineIraqi
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains  soy
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 8 servings
grape leaves
40
40
Local / market
short-grain rice
2 cups
400 g
Local / market
ground lamb or beef
1/2 lb
225 g
onions, peppers, eggplant to stuff
assorted
1.5 kg
Local / market
tamarind paste
3 tbsp
45 g
pomegranate molasses
3 tbsp
45 ml
fresh parsley and dill
1 cup
40 g
Local / market
olive oil
1/2 cup
120 ml
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Mix rice, meat, chopped herbs, olive oil, salt and a spoon of the tamarind into the filling.15 min
  2. Hollow the onions, peppers and eggplant, and blanch the grape leaves.25 min
  3. Stuff each vegetable loosely and roll the grape leaves into tight cigars, leaving room for the rice to swell.30 min
  4. Pack everything snugly in a pot, set an inverted plate on top to weight them down.10 min
  5. Pour in tamarind and pomegranate dissolved in water to just cover, and simmer on low until the rice is tender.70 min
The Toolkit

wide heavy pot · heatproof plate for weighting · paring knife

Straight Answers
Can you make Iraqi Dolma (Stuffed Vegetables in Tamarind) in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Iraqi Dolma (Stuffed Vegetables in Tamarind)? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Iraqi Dolma (Stuffed Vegetables in Tamarind) ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Iraqi Dolma (Stuffed Vegetables in Tamarind) gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Iraqi Dolma (Stuffed Vegetables in Tamarind) vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1174