Yesterday, Sofiya, prepared a delicious piece of her Armenian culture for her sociology class by cooking Tolma. As part of a project on cultural traditions, she prepared grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of minced meat and herbs. Her classmates not only enjoyed the rich flavors but also learned about the dish’s deep roots in Armenian heritage.

Tolma has been a beloved part of Armenian cuisine for centuries. Its name comes from the Armenian word “toli”, meaning grape leaves. While variations of stuffed vegetables exist across the region, Armenia is known for its unique take on Tolma, often served during family gatherings and special occasions. Sofiya explained how Tolma represents hospitality and the importance of community in Armenian culture—fitting themes for a sociology discussion. Needless to say, everyone left class a little fuller and a lot more connected.