Name: Fermented Dough Crimean Dolmasi
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Crimean Tatar
Ingredients: 20 grape leaves; 1 cup cooked rice; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup chopped parsley; 1/4 cup chopped dill; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 cup active sourdough starter; 1/2 tsp yeast; 1/4 cup warm water

Stuffed grape leaves with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, using a fermented dough base for the filling, traditional in Crimean Tatar cuisine.

Method

In a large bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, yeast, and warm water. Let sit for 10 minutes to activate the yeast.
Add the cooked rice, chopped onion, parsley, dill, salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika to the bowl. Mix well to form a sticky dough-like consistency.
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the mixture ferment for 2 hours at room temperature to develop flavor and texture.
After fermentation, divide the mixture into 20 equal portions and shape each into a small ball.
Place a portion of the mixture in the center of each grape leaf.
Roll the leaves tightly and place them in a pot with a bit of water.
Cover and cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes.
Let cool slightly before serving.