Pomidōr Dolmasī [Stuffed Tomatoes | vegan]

Stuffed Tomatoes from Tabriz | vegan

Origin: Regional Specialty (The Azerbaijani Northwest)

In summer, when tomatoes peak, cooks in Tabriz and Iranian Azerbaijan make Pomidōr Dolmasī (stuffed tomatoes in local Azeri Turkic). They're often braised with stuffed bell peppers and baby eggplants in a combo called Üç Bacı ("Three Sisters"). While some versions use ground meat, this traditional plant-based filling combines yellow split peas, rice, scallions, and fresh herbs, using the ripe tomato as both container and braising sauce.

Serves: 4
Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour soaking time)
Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes