Savory Stuffed Cabbage Rolls offer a delightful and healthy twist on traditional comfort food. These flavorful rolls feature tender cabbage leaves embracing a scrumptious filling of seasoned ground meat, rice, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for those seeking a nutritious yet satisfying meal, these cabbage rolls are simple to make and bursting with flavor. Let’s dive right in and create a dish that will tantalize your taste buds!

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 500g ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling cabbage leaves
• Mixing bowl
• Knife for chopping
• Cutting board
• Baking dish

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for baking.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully place the whole cabbage head into the boiling water and cook for a few minutes until the outer leaves become pliable. Remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool slightly.
3. Carefully peel off the softened outer leaves from the cabbage, ensuring they remain intact. Set them aside.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
5. Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat and rice mixture in the center. Roll the leaf, tucking in the sides as you go, to create a neat roll. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
6. Place the cabbage rolls in a baking dish, seam side down, ensuring they fit snugly.
7. Pour the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, covering them evenly.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cabbage rolls cool for a few minutes before serving.
10. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

• Softening the cabbage leaves: If you find it difficult to separate the cabbage leaves without tearing them, you can carefully core the cabbage before boiling it. This will allow the leaves to detach more easily.
• Customize the filling: Feel free to experiment with different fillings by adding vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat and rice mixture. It’s an excellent way to incorporate more nutrients and flavors into your cabbage rolls.
• Make-ahead and freezing: Cabbage rolls can be made ahead of time and frozen for later. Simply assemble the rolls, place them in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 2 cabbage rolls
• Calories: 300
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 25g

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

Savory Stuffed Cabbage Rolls bring together the warmth of comfort food with the goodness of a healthy diet. The combination of tender cabbage leaves, flavorful filling, and aromatic herbs creates a truly satisfying and nutritious dish. Whether you’re enjoying it as a family meal or impressing guests, these cabbage rolls are sure to be a hit. Embrace the joy of cooking and indulge in this delightful recipe!

FAQ

Q: How should I store leftover cabbage rolls?
A: Place any leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: What can I serve with cabbage rolls?
A: Cabbage rolls pair well with a variety of side dishes. You can serve them with a lightsalad or coleslaw, steamed vegetables, or even mashed potatoes to complement the flavors of the rolls. Get creative and enjoy the versatility of this delicious dish!

Q: Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
A: Yes, you can freeze cabbage rolls. After assembling the rolls, place them in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Q: Can I use a different type of meat in the filling?
A: Absolutely! You can use beef, pork, or a combination of both in the filling. Feel free to choose the meat that suits your taste preferences.

Q: Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the cabbage rolls ahead of time. Assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Q: How can I make vegetarian cabbage rolls?
A: To make vegetarian cabbage rolls, you can replace the ground meat with a mixture of cooked lentils, quinoa, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Adjust the seasonings accordingly for a delicious meat-free version.

Q: Can I use a different sauce instead of tomato sauce?
A: Certainly! If you prefer a different sauce, you can experiment with options like marinara sauce, mushroom sauce, or a creamy cheese sauce. Choose the sauce that appeals to your taste buds.

Q: Can I use savoy cabbage instead of regular cabbage?
A: Yes, you can use savoy cabbage instead of regular cabbage. Savoy cabbage has tender leaves that work well for stuffing and will give your cabbage rolls a slightly different flavor.

Q: Are cabbage rolls gluten-free?
A: The cabbage rolls themselves are gluten-free. However, if you use store-bought tomato sauce, make sure to check the label as some brands may contain gluten. You can opt for a gluten-free tomato sauce or make your own from scratch.

Q: Are cabbage rolls suitable for a low-carb diet?
A: While cabbage rolls contain rice as part of the filling, you can make them more suitable for a low-carb diet by replacing the rice with cauliflower rice or omitting it altogether. Adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly.

Remember to have fun in the kitchen and savor the delectable flavors of these Savory Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. They are a delightful way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your meals while indulging in a comforting and satisfying dish. Enjoy!