Zucchini Dolma

even though the Greeks call wrapped vine leave Dolma or Dolmades , the word Dolma in Turkish means to stuff 
anything that is wrapped like vine leaves are called Sarma ( to wrap)


about 1kg of medium nice and firm zucchini 
1½ cups rice
1 medium onion, chopped finely
½ cup parsley, chopped
1 Tbsp dried mint
1 tsp salt to taste
½ tsp black pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
1 Tbsp tomato paste
2-3 tomatoes, sliced (for covering tops)
Hot water


Wash the rice and drain. Chop the onions finely and mix all the ingredients but not the hot water or zucchinis. Then, wash the zucchinis and make scratches or parallel marks with fork or you may peel them in stripes. Cut the stems. If the zucchinis are long enough cut them in half lengthwise. Then, scrape inside of each piece of zucchini using a small spoon, making them hollow. You may sprinkle with salt inside.
stuff each hollow zucchini with the rice stuffing, leaving about ¼ inch part on top. Cover each stuffed zucchini either with a slice of tomato or stems of the zucchinis. Place them in a pot leaving no room in between. Add hot water about 1 inch to cover the zucchinis and cook over medium-low heat about 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked. transfer them to a serving plate and serve with either plain or garlic yogurt. You may garnish with dill.
ENJOY