On the nights when life gets just too busy to cook, we all need a few go-to pantry or freezer meals to save the day. Through the years, the Allrecipes team has stumbled upon some of the most delicious ready-to-eat meals we keep stocked for busy nights.
This Chef Bombay frozen butter chicken dinner is donned with a perfect 10/10 rating, according to fans. Walmart recently started selling a variety of Bettergoods frozen pizzas fans say is “better than takeout, not even lying.” This meaty lasagna makes for an easy and hearty weeknight meal that comes together in a snap.
My secret “lazy day” weapon comes in the form of a $4 international treat I stock up on every time I’m at Trader Joe’s. There’s no pre-heating, microwaving, or mixing involved. Simply open the can, and dig into one of the most delicious bites imaginable.
These $4 Dolmas Are My Must-Buy Trader Joe’s Treat
Trader Joe’s dolmas have a quiet, cult-like following, much like the brand’s other canned Mediterranean goods, including the Allrecipes-loved Grecian Style Eggplant with Tomatoes & Onions, Greek Chickpeas with Cumin and Parsley, and Giant Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce.
Its unassuming packaging—a simple flat tin that resembles a tuna can—may have shoppers passing right by this $4 treat. But you’re going to want to pick up a can (or 10) the next time you shop at Trader Joe’s, and I’ll tell you why.
Trader Joe’s
If you haven’t had dolmas before, let me introduce you to one of the best bites of your life. Dolmas are stuffed grape leaves, filled with rice, alliums, herbs, and sometimes ground beef or other vegetables. Each grape leaf is stuffed and rolled, then steamed in a water, olive oil, and lemon mixture until the rice plumps, the grape leaves soften, and the whole thing gets unbelievably exquisite.
Dolmas, and its many variations, exist throughout many Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Baltic countries. It’s a dish I’d order at any restaurant—but wasn’t something I was able to enjoy in my day-to-day life because they’re just so tedious to make. That is, until I spotted these Trader Joe’s canned dolmas a few years back.
Each tin contains 9-10 dolmas, a perfect amount for an easy lunch. Grab a can and bring it to work, or keep a stash in your office drawer for your 2 p.m. hanger attack. The dolmas are a perfect snack to have on hand when dinner is hours away but you’re feeling peckish. You can add them to a classic meze platter, serve them with a zesty lemon dip, or devour them plain—there is no wrong way to enjoy these delectable bites.
I must have these dolmas on hand at all times. It keeps me from caving to a last-minute Door Dash order, and is a life saver on days where I am too busy to cook. I do my regular weekly shopping at Aldi, so when I do make a stop at Trader Joe’s, I pick a dozen of these cans at a time. And it turns out, I’m not the only one.
In a thread on the Trader Joe’s subreddit, users chimed in with their opinions of the international treat.
“I love these,” said one Redditor. “I have been getting them for years. I have tried many other brands over the years and these have been consistently good. They are soooo yummy!” Another added, “Amazingly delicious. And I’ve had it homemade by Armenian grandmothers.” One shopper after my own heart said, “I can scarf an entire can, no problem.”
Other Redditors shared how they eat the dolmas with plenty of interesting variations. Users suggest wrapping them in a lavash wrap and dipping in tzatziki. Other shoppers dip in the Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread dip and serve with tabbouleh. “I love that they’re shelf stable,” said one Redditor. Brought these camping, on hikes, road trips, etc.—they’re perfect.”
According to the Trader Joe’s website, these dolmas are made by a Greek company in Evia, Greece. The company is the largest dolmas producer in the world.
“By hand, the leaves are stuffed, one by one, with a soft, succulent white rice that’s mixed with chopped onions, bits of dill and mint,” the website states. “Dexterously rolled and folded, the leaves and rice are transformed into two-bite morsels, which are cooked to marry flavors and create a moist, tender bite. Packed in soy oil, they eat like they were freshly prepared and promise a little spice, a little savory and a little tang.”
I promise, these dolmas are worth a try. You’re likely to fall in love with the tangy, herby, and comforting flavors inside this $4 tin. On the small chance you don’t—feel free to ship them my way.
Dining and Cooking