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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 medium head of green cabbage

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey for a lighter option)

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 cups tomato sauce (ensure it’s alcohol-free and Halal-certified)

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cabbage: The cabbage leaves provide a soft, tender outer layer that wraps up the delicious filling. When cooked, the cabbage becomes slightly sweet and tender, complementing the savory stuffing.

  • Ground Meat: You can use ground beef, lamb, or chicken, depending on your preference. The choice of meat will influence the flavor, but any of these options will work beautifully in this dish.

  • Rice: The rice adds texture and bulk to the filling, absorbing the flavors of the meat and spices while keeping the rolls tender and hearty.

  • Tomato Sauce: The tangy tomato sauce adds a wonderful acidity to balance out the richness of the meat and rice filling. Tomato paste thickens the sauce and makes it more flavorful.

  • Spices: Cumin, paprika, and cinnamon add a warm, aromatic depth to the dish that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Instructions

Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:

  1. Prep the Cabbage: Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully peel away the leaves, trying to keep them intact. You’ll need about 12-14 leaves. If some of the leaves are too thick or tough, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until they soften. Set aside.

  2. Blanch the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and gently place the cabbage head into the water. Allow the cabbage to blanch for about 3-5 minutes, or until the leaves are softened and pliable. Remove the cabbage from the water and allow it to cool slightly. Use a sharp knife to trim off the tough stems from each leaf.

Make the Filling:

  1. Cook the Rice: If you haven’t done so already, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Set it aside to cool slightly.

  2. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 3-5 minutes until they are softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Combine Ingredients: Add the ground beef (or other meat of your choice) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Season with cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine the spices into the meat.

  4. Add Rice to the Meat: Once the meat is fully cooked, stir in the cooked rice and mix everything thoroughly. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes before stuffing.

Stuff the Cabbage Rolls:

  1. Assemble the Rolls: Lay each cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place a heaping spoonful of the meat and rice filling in the center of each leaf. Fold in the sides of the cabbage over the filling, then roll it up tightly, tucking the ends as you go to ensure the filling stays inside.

  2. Place in the Pan: In a large pot or Dutch oven, layer the cabbage rolls seam-side down. Arrange the rolls snugly in the pot, making sure there are no gaps.

Cook the Cabbage Rolls:

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and lemon juice. Pour this sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls, making sure they’re fully covered. Add a bit of water if needed to ensure the sauce is spread out.

  2. Simmer the Rolls: Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let the rolls cook for 1 hour, occasionally checking to ensure the rolls aren’t sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add more water if necessary.

Serve and Enjoy:

 

  1. Serve the Rolls: Once the cabbage rolls are cooked, remove them from the pot and serve them hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://buttereats.com/stuffed-cabbage-rolls/