Dolma as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Dolma is absolutely in that category. The warmly spiced and complex quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. sumac does work that no substitute can replicate.

Turkish cuisine bridges Central Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean influences. There's something about the a kebab restaurant at lunchtime context that reinforces the comfort effect. raki anise spirit alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.