Looking for a delicious and authentic Turkish dolma recipe? These stuffed green peppers (biber dolması) are filled with fragrant rice, herbs, and spices — perfectly seasoned with our signature Baharat Köfte Seasoning.
It’s the easiest way to make restaurant-quality dolma at home.

What Is Dolma?

Dolma (pronounced dol-mah) means “stuffed” in Turkish. It refers to vegetables like peppers, courgettes, aubergines, or vine leaves filled with a savory mix of rice, spices, and sometimes meat. This version uses green bell peppers, giving a soft, juicy texture that pairs beautifully with our Baharat Köfte blend.

Why Use Baharat Köfte Seasoning

Our Baharat Köfte Seasoning is a handcrafted Turkish spice mix made for meatballs — but it’s incredibly versatile. In dolma, it adds deep flavor with notes of cumin, paprika, garlic, and herbs, turning a simple rice filling into something rich, aromatic, and perfectly balanced. No need to measure ten different spices — just two tablespoons of this blend and you’re set.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Filling

• 6 medium green peppers

• 250g minced beef or lamb (optional — skip for vegetarian dolma)

• 150g uncooked short-grain rice

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp Baharat Köfte Seasoning

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• Small handful fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt to taste

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 250ml hot water

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch of salt

How to Make Turkish Dolma (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the Peppers

Cut the tops off the green peppers and remove the seeds. Rinse them gently and set aside.

2. Make the Filling

In a large bowl, mix the rice, minced meat (if using), onion, Baharat Köfte Seasoning, tomato paste, olive oil, parsley, and salt.
Combine well until the mixture is uniform and coated with the seasoning.

3. Stuff the Peppers

Fill each pepper about three-quarters full — the rice will expand as it cooks. Replace the tops as lids.

4. Arrange in a Pot

Place the stuffed peppers upright in a deep pot. Mix tomato paste, hot water, olive oil, and salt, then pour around the peppers to create the cooking sauce.

5. Cook Gently

Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 40–45 minutes until the peppers are tender and the rice is fully cooked.

6. Rest and Serve

Let the dolma rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with plain yogurt or a squeeze of lemon.

Tips for the Perfect Dolma

• Use short-grain rice for a soft, cohesive filling.

• For a vegan version, replace meat with extra rice, red lentils, or chopped mushrooms.

• Sprinkle extra Baharat Köfte Seasoning over the top before serving for a flavor boost.

Try More with Baharat

Our Baharat Köfte Seasoning isn’t just for dolma. Use it to flavor:

• Koftes (Turkish meatballs)

• Grilled chicken or lamb skewers

• Roasted vegetables

• Soups and stews

👉 Buy Baharat Köfte Seasoning (160g) and bring authentic Turkish flavor into your kitchen.