Stuffed dried vegetables, known as “kuru dolma” in Turkish, is a traditional and delicious dish in Turkish cuisine. Especially during the summer months when fresh vegetables are abundant, preparing stuffed dried vegetables becomes a delightful and lengthy process. A part of traditional Turkish cuisine, stuffed dried vegetables adorn the tables with their carefully prepared filling and the flavor of dried vegetables.

Before starting the preparation of stuffed dried vegetables, it is important to gather the necessary ingredients. Using fresh and high-quality ingredients is crucial for a good stuffed dried vegetable dish. Here are the ingredients needed for a traditional stuffed dried vegetables recipe:

250 grams of dried eggplant or bell peppers

• 1 cup of rice
• 1 large onion
• Half a bunch of parsley
• Half a bunch of fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons of pepper paste
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes
• Hot water

During the preparation stage, we soften the dried eggplants or bell peppers by placing them in a large bowl and adding enough hot water to cover them. This process will make it easier for the dried vegetables to take shape when filled with the filling later on. After soaking for about 30 minutes, the dried vegetables will absorb the water and become soft, ready to be filled.

Meanwhile, we prepare the filling by washing and draining the rice. In a large pot, we heat olive oil and sauté finely chopped onions until they become translucent. Then, we add the washed rice and continue sautéing until the rice absorbs the oil. After the rice is toasted, we add tomato and pepper pastes and continue sautéing until they release their aroma. We then add chopped parsley and mint to the filling mixture, along with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for seasoning. We stir the filling mixture well and set it aside to cool.

After removing the dried vegetables from the water and draining them, we prepare them for filling with the filling mixture. We stuff each dried vegetable with the filling mixture and close them tightly. We arrange the filled vegetables in a pot and pour enough hot water to cover them. We cook the stuffed dried vegetables over low heat until the water is absorbed.

Once the stuffed dried vegetables are cooked, they can be served hot. We can serve them on a platter and sprinkle yogurt and red pepper flakes on top for extra flavor.

The preparation of stuffed dried vegetables requires patience and attention to detail. However, when you taste the delicious dish you’ve created, you’ll find that the effort is well worth it. Sharing this dish with family and loved ones will make the experience even more meaningful. I hope this recipe provides a delightful experience for home cooks and adds color to their tables. Enjoy your meal!