Dolma Basra (iraqi Stuffed Onions With Rice And Lamb)

Dolma Basra is a traditional Iraqi dish that features tender onions stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice and lamb. This dish is a beloved part of Mizrahi Jewish cuisine, and it's perfect for a special occasion or a comforting family meal.

Dolma Basra (iraqi Stuffed Onions With Rice And Lamb)

Ingredients

  • 4 large white onions
  • 1/2 cup long-grain rice
  • 1/2 lb ground lamb
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut off the tops of the onions and carefully remove the inner layers, leaving the outer layers intact. Reserve the inner layers for the filling.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the rice, ground lamb, reserved onion layers, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Stuff the mixture into the hollowed-out onions, packing it in tightly.
  5. Place the stuffed onions in a deep pot and pour the broth and olive oil over them.
  6. Cover the pot and cook the onions over low heat for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the onions are soft.
  7. Transfer the stuffed onions to a serving platter, spoon some of the cooking liquid over them, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
40g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Deep pot with a lid Serving platter

Tools

Knife Large bowl Spoon

Serving suggestions

Serve the Dolma Basra with a side of yogurt and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

To make the onions easier to hollow out, you can parboil them for a few minutes before cutting and scooping. This will soften them and make the process less time-consuming.

Cost

$15