You want to put dinner on the table quickly. We want you to feel at home. Pırasa sarması (green onion roll) is just that. This is a Turkish classic that rejects complexity.
The ingredient list is short. The process is simple. The results are satisfactory.
Shopping list
Put in the fridge or take out what you need. You don’t need a pantry full of spices for this.
- 0.5 kg leeks
*A little over 0.5 cups of rice - 1 onion
1 garlic clove
Fresh parsley
*Fresh dill - 1 teaspoon dried mint
- Black pepper
0.5 tablespoon pepper paste
0.5 tbsp tomato puree - 0.5 cup vegetable oil
*2-3 drops of lemon juice
Why this recipe works
Most people think of stuffed vegetables as a weekend project. This is not one of those recipes.
Preparation takes 5 minutes. Cooking takes 15 minutes.
“It takes 5 minutes to prepare. It takes 15 minutes to cook.”
If you are busy, this is your answer. If you’re hungry, this is your friend.
Step-by-step preparation
Start with the leeks. You want the white, thick part. Cut off the green part. If you need the stock later, don’t throw it away, and if it’s a roll, keep an eye on the white bottom.
Wash well. That’s where the dirt lies.
Make a vertical cut. Please. You don’t cut. Spread the layers like a flower.
Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Drop the leeks in.
Leave it on for 3-4 minutes. You want them pliable. Not mushy. Soft enough to be rolled without breaking.
It’s a trick. Remove from boiling water. Immediately put in cold water. This will stop cooking. Keep the colors bright. Keep the structure strong.
Now we make the filling.
Finely chop the onions. Finely chop the garlic. Finely chop the parsley and dill.
Mix everything in a bowl. Rice. The herbs. paste. oil. spices. Lemon juice.
Stir it until it feels cohesive.
Take a leaf. Place a spoonful of filling near the base. Fold the sides over. Roll it up. Shape it like a triangle or a small pouch. Do not overfill. The rice grows.
Place the rolls in your pot.
Add water. It should just cover the roll.
Turn down the heat.
Let it simmer.
When you’re done, let it rest. This is not an option. The flavors settle. The texture has improved.
Serve it warm.
Serving Suggestions
This dish stands alone. Adding yogurt makes it a complete meal.
It would be great to pair it with crusty bread. Or rice. Alternatively, you can eat it straight from the pot if no one is watching.
It is very practical. It is comprehensive. We do not judge whether you use commercially available herbs or not.
