Domates Dolmasi

🍅Domates Dolması Recipe – Traditional North Cyprus Stuffed Tomatoes

If you’ve ever wandered through the villages and coastal towns of North Cyprus, chances are you’ve tasted the rich, fragrant Domates Dolması – stuffed tomatoes filled with aromatic rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. This dish is part of the wider Cypriot dolma tradition, where vegetables like peppers, vine leaves, and courgettes are stuffed with delicious fillings. But stuffed tomatoes hold a special place thanks to their natural sweetness and vibrant Mediterranean flavor. Here, we’ll share the authentic North Cyprus Domates Dolması recipe, cooking tips, cultural history, and serving suggestions.
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❓What is Domates Dolması?

Domates Dolması (pronounced doh-mah-tes dohl-mah-suh) literally means “stuffed tomatoes” in Turkish. In North Cyprus, this dish is enjoyed as part of mezze spreads, family dinners, and festive gatherings. The tomatoes are carefully hollowed out and filled with a mixture of rice, onion, olive oil, and fresh herbs such as mint, parsley, and dill. Some families also include lamb or beef mince for a heartier version.

The dish is slow-cooked until the rice absorbs all the tomato juices, creating a comforting, healthy, and deeply flavorful meal that showcases the essence of Cypriot home cooking.
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🥗Ingredients for North Cyprus Domates Dolması

For 6 servings:
• 6 medium ripe tomatoes (firm but not too soft)
• 200g rice (short-grain or risotto rice works best)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste

Fresh herbs:
• 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (or 1 tsp dried mint)
• 1 tbsp dill, finely chopped

Optional:
• 150g minced lamb or beef
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp cinnamon (traditional in Cypriot stuffing)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup water or vegetable stock
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👨‍🍳Step-by-Step Method

• Prepare the tomatoes

• Slice off the tops (keep as lids).
• Scoop out the pulp with a spoon and set aside in a bowl.
• Lightly salt the insides and turn them upside down to drain.

• Make the filling

• Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic until golden.
• Add rice (and minced meat if using). Stir for 2–3 minutes.
• Mix in tomato paste, chopped herbs, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and half of the tomato pulp.
• Cook for 5 minutes.

• Stuff the tomatoes

• Fill each tomato with the rice mixture, leaving room for the rice to expand.
• Place the “lids” back on top.

• Cook the dolma

• Arrange the tomatoes snugly in a pot.
• Pour lemon juice, remaining tomato pulp, and stock around them.
• Cover and simmer on low heat for 35–40 minutes until rice is tender.
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🍽️Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm or at room temperature – both are authentic.
• Garnish with extra fresh mint and lemon wedges.
• Pair with Cypriot yoghurt or cacık (tzatziki).
• Enjoy alongside grilled meats, halloumi, or part of a mezze platter with hummus and olives.
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😋Why Domates Dolması is Special in North Cyprus

In North Cyprus, dolma recipes are passed down through generations, with every family adding its own twist. Some prefer it completely vegetarian with extra herbs, while others enrich it with spiced lamb mince. What makes Cypriot dolma unique is the use of cinnamon and lemon juice, giving the dish a balance of warmth and freshness.

Tomatoes grown in the fertile Cypriot soil are naturally sweet and juicy, making them ideal for stuffing. This dish is a celebration of Mediterranean produce and slow home cooking.
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🏋Health Benefits

Domates Dolması is not only delicious but also:

• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes.
• High in fiber thanks to rice and herbs.
• Packed with vitamins A & C.
• Can be vegan, vegetarian, or protein-rich depending on the filling.
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❓FAQs about Domates Dolması

1. Can I make Domates Dolması in advance?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

2. Can I bake it instead of simmering?
Absolutely – place in a baking dish with the liquid and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 40 minutes.

3. Can I freeze stuffed tomatoes?
Yes, but it’s best frozen before cooking to keep the rice texture intact.
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🌸Final Thoughts

Domates Dolması is more than just a recipe – it’s a taste of North Cyprus tradition, family gatherings, and the Mediterranean lifestyle. Whether you prepare it as a hearty vegetarian dish or with a touch of lamb, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and bring Cypriot sunshine to your table.

If you’re exploring North Cypriot cuisine, don’t miss out on this simple yet flavorful classic.