Dolma: A Taste of Armenian Tradition

Dolma is a beloved dish in Armenian cuisine, made from grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, ground meat (often lamb or beef), herbs, and spices. This dish is a perfect example of the Armenian love for fresh, flavorful ingredients. Dolma can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course, depending on how it is prepared. The grape leaves are typically stuffed with a savory filling, rolled tightly, and then cooked in a pot with olive oil, lemon, and sometimes tomatoes.

While the dish is known throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East, the Armenian version is unique for its use of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and mint, which give it a fragrant and vibrant flavor. Dolma is often enjoyed during special occasions and family gatherings, as it’s a dish that requires a little time and effort to prepare, making it a labor of love. Whether served warm or cold, Dolma embodies the essence of Armenian hospitality and the country’s rich culinary history.

Ex. 1 In each group, four of the adjectives cannot go with the noun. Which ones?
disgusted, rich, wealthy, starving, excited, exciting, antique, cosmopolitan, long, antique, expensive, crowded.

Ex. 2 Complete the conversations with adjectives from exercise 1. Where necessary, use the comparative or superlative forms.
1. A. Nick’s really quiet and shy. He never says a word.
B. Yeah, his brother is much more sociable.

2. A. What’s Carrie’s boyfriend like?
B. Well, he’s tall, dark, and handsome, but he’s not polite. In fact, he’s even ruder than Carrie!

3. A. How was your lunch?
B. Ugh! It was awful. The pizza was disgusting we were really starving, but we still couldn’t eat it!

4. A. These tomatoes are really delicious. Did you grow them yourselves?
B. Yes, we did. All our vegetables are home-grown.

5. A. Did you have a good time in London?
B. We had a great time. There’s so much to do. It’s a really exiting city. And there are so many people from all over the world. I think it’s nearly as cosmopolitan as New York.