Name: Traditional Armenian Sarmas with Zucchini and Green Peppers
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Sarmas
Ingredients: 12 large vine leaves; 1 cup cooked rice; 1/2 cup chopped parsley; 1/4 cup chopped dill; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for sautéing

A classic Armenian dish of vine leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and vegetables, served with zucchini and green peppers.

Method

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the vine leaves and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add the rice, parsley, dill, green bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Lay a vine leaf on a clean surface, shiny side down. Place a spoonful of the rice mixture near the stem end.
Roll the vine leaf tightly, tucking in the sides. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
Arrange the rolled leaves in a pot or baking dish. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pot.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the leaves are tender and the rice is cooked.
Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of yogurt on top.