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🧆 Middle Eastern · Main · Hard difficulty · Vegan

Zucchini Dolma

A bold Middle Eastern main built around zucchini, seasoned with vine leaves and rice.

Prep time
20 min
Cook time
45 min
Total time
1h 5m
Servings
6
Calories
345 kcal
Protein
9 g
Carbs
31 g
Fat
21 g
Course
Main

About this Middle Eastern baked dish

Zucchini Dolma is a Middle Eastern main built around zucchinis. It takes about 1h 5m from start to finish, 20 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking, and serves 6.

Cooking method: baked dish. Difficulty is rated hard. Vegan, and marked gluten-free in our data.

Good for: budget friendly, light & low calorie, meal prep, party & sharing, comfort food.

Ingredients

Quantities are for 6 servings. Change the servings in the app to rescale them automatically.

  • 4 zucchinis, sliced
  • 30 vine leaves
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 onion
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Step 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) and grease a baking dish.

    Heat
    Oven to temperature (about 10-15 minutes)
    Look for
    The oil shimmers and flows like water; a drop of water sizzles instantly.
    Why it matters
    Food added to a properly hot pan sears and browns instead of steaming and sticking.
    Avoid
    Adding food to a cold pan: it sticks, turns grey and soaks up oil.

  2. Step 2. Season the zucchini and brown briefly in a hot pan with a little oil, about 5 minutes.

    Heat
    Off, no heat
    Look for
    Everything is evenly coated or just combined, with no dry pockets.
    Why it matters
    Mixing spreads salt, fat and flavour through the food so every bite tastes the same.
    Avoid
    Overmixing batters and doughs makes them tough; stop once just combined.

  3. Step 3. Combine with the vine leaves, rice and onion in the dish and mix well.

    Heat
    Off, no heat
    Look for
    Everything is evenly coated or just combined, with no dry pockets.
    Why it matters
    Mixing spreads salt, fat and flavour through the food so every bite tastes the same.
    Avoid
    Overmixing batters and doughs makes them tough; stop once just combined.

  4. Step 4. Top with the pine nuts and allspice.

    Heat
    Keep the heat steady
    Look for
    The new ingredient is coated and the mixture returns to a gentle bubble.
    Why it matters
    Adding things in order lets each ingredient cook for just the right time.
    Avoid
    Dumping everything in at once: delicate items turn mushy before tougher ones are done.

  5. Step 5. Bake for 36 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.

    Heat
    Oven at the stated temperature (check with a thermometer if you can)
    Look for
    Bubbling edges, a golden top and a rich baked smell.
    Why it matters
    Gentle, steady heat softens tough fibres and lets flavours blend without drying things out.
    Avoid
    Opening the oven door repeatedly drops the temperature. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too fast.

  6. Step 6. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

    Heat
    Off, let it sit
    Look for
    Steam slows, juices settle and the dish firms up slightly.
    Why it matters
    Resting lets juices redistribute and flavours settle, and the food is easier to slice and eat.
    Avoid
    Skipping the rest: juices run out and the dish falls apart.

Chef's tip

Resting lets the layers set for clean slices.

Equipment you will need

  • Oven
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl

Nutrition per serving

Estimated per serving: 345 kcal, 9 g protein, 31 g carbohydrate and 21 g fat. Roughly 10% of the energy comes from protein, 36% from carbohydrate and 54% from fat, using standard energy values.

Nutrition values are estimates from typical ingredient profiles. They are not medical data, and brands and portions vary. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian about your diet.

When to cook Zucchini Dolma

Substitutions and variations

  • Cover with foil for the first half of baking to stop the top browning too fast.
  • Use Greek yogurt in place of cream for a lighter topping; stir it in off the heat to avoid curdling.
  • Check doneness with a skewer or thermometer rather than relying on time alone.

Frequently asked questions about Zucchini Dolma

How long does Zucchini Dolma take to make?

It takes about 1h 5m in total: 20 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking. Times are estimates and depend on your stove, pan and how small you cut the ingredients.

How many calories are in one serving?

Each serving has about 345 kcal, with 9 g protein, 31 g carbohydrate and 21 g fat. These are estimates for the recipe's 6 servings.

Is Zucchini Dolma gluten-free?

It is marked gluten-free in our data. Still check labels on stock, sauces and spice blends, which can contain gluten.

Is it suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Yes, it is vegan. Check labels on stock and curry pastes, which can contain animal products.

How difficult is it to cook?

It is a challenging recipe that involves several techniques and careful timing. Prepare everything first.

Can I make Zucchini Dolma ahead or freeze it?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Most baked and saucy dishes freeze well for up to 3 months, but avoid freezing crisp items and salads.

How many servings does it make?

This recipe makes 6 servings. To change the amount, scale each ingredient in proportion. The interactive app's servings control does this automatically.

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