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Sarajevski Sogan-dolma

This traditional Bosnian dish features large onions carefully hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices. The stuffed onions are then simmered in a flavorful broth until tender, creating a comforting and aromatic meal.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
2 hr 15 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
614 kcal
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Gluten-free

Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Sarajevski Sogan-dolma

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 8 pcslarge yellow onion

filling

  • 500 gground beef, lean
  • 0.5 cuprice, short-grain
  • 2 tbspvegetable oil
  • 1 tbsptomato paste
  • 1 tspsalt
  • 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tsppaprika powder, sweet

broth

  • 4 cupwater
  • 2 pcsbeef bouillon cube

garnish

  • 0.5 cupsour cream(optional)
  • 2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped(optional)

Equipment

large spoon · large pot · cutting board · knife

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Peel the large yellow onions and trim the ends. Cut a deep incision around the core of each onion, being careful not to cut all the way through.

    About 10 min

  2. 2

    Place the onions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook for 15-20 minutes until they are softened but still hold their shape.

    About 20 min

    Cook’s note: This step makes it easier to separate the layers without tearing them.

  3. 3

    Drain the onions and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, carefully separate the layers, creating hollow 'cups' for filling.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: Save any small inner pieces of onion; you can chop them finely and add them to the filling.

  4. 4

    In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, vegetable oil, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and paprika powder. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.

    About 5 min

  5. 5

    Take each onion cup and fill it generously with the meat and rice mixture. Roll the onion layer around the filling to create a compact dolma.

    About 15 min

    Cook’s note: Don't overfill, as the rice will expand during cooking.

  6. 6

    Arrange the stuffed onions snugly in a large, deep pot or Dutch oven. Pack them tightly to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.

    About 5 min

  7. 7

    In a separate bowl, dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in the water to create a broth. Pour the broth over the stuffed onions in the pot.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure the liquid almost covers the dolmas; add more water if needed.

  8. 8

    Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until the onions are very tender and the rice is cooked through.

    About 1 hr 15 min

    Cook’s note: Check occasionally to ensure there's enough liquid; add hot water if necessary.

  9. 9

    Serve the Sarajevski Sogan-dolma hot, optionally garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

    Cook’s note: It pairs well with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
614.3kcal
Protein
27.6g
Carbs
40.1g
Fat
39.1g
Fibre
7.6g
Sugar
18.6g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover Sogan-dolma in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave, until warmed through.

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