Arabian Cabbage Rolls Recipe - Delicious & Authentic

Cabbage Rolls

Arabian Cabbage Rolls Recipe - Delicious & Authentic
Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls are a delicious and comforting dish that is popular in many cultures around the world. These savory rolls are made by filling cabbage leaves with a mixture of rice, ground beef, and spices, then cooking them in a flavorful tomato sauce. Cabbage rolls are a great option for a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

History

Cabbage rolls have a long history and are a traditional dish in many Eastern European countries, as well as in the Middle East and Asia. The exact origins of cabbage rolls are unclear, but they are believed to have been popularized in Eastern Europe in the early 20th century. Cabbage rolls are often served at special occasions and celebrations, and are a beloved comfort food for many.

Ingredients

Filling

Rolls

How to prepare

Filling

  1. Wash the rice and drain it.
  2. Add the meat and 1 cup of tomatoes or 0.5 can of tomato paste.
  3. Add salt, pepper, and spices.

Rolls

  1. Separate the cabbage leaves and drop them separately into salted boiling water. Cook for a few minutes until they become limp.
  2. Cook all the leaves and then let them drain.
  3. Trim the leaves of heavy stems.
  4. Reserve the stems and put them in the bottom of a saucepan.
  5. On each leaf, place 1 heaping tablespoon of filling and roll it firmly.
  6. Place the cabbage rolls neatly in rows, making several layers.
  7. Place garlic buds among the leaves as you roll them.
  8. Add 1 cup of tomatoes and enough hot water to cover the rolls.
  9. Sprinkle 0.5 tsp of salt over all.
  10. Cook for 25 to 35 minutes.
  11. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the juice of 2 lemons.

Variations

  • Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version of cabbage rolls.
  • Spicy version: Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the filling mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Mediterranean twist: Add some chopped olives and feta cheese to the filling for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the cabbage leaves until they are soft and pliable before filling them. This will make it easier to roll them up without tearing.

- Adding garlic buds among the cabbage rolls will infuse them with a delicious flavor as they cook.

- Cooking the cabbage rolls in a flavorful tomato sauce will enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Cabbage rolls can be served with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess. They can also be paired with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling the cabbage leaves tightly will help prevent the filling from falling out during cooking.

- Cooking the cabbage rolls in a covered saucepan will help them cook evenly and retain moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef in the filling.

- Quinoa or barley can be used in place of rice for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Cabbage rolls can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cabbage rolls neatly on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cabbage rolls pair well with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. They also go well with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cabbage rolls in a saucepan with a little water and heat over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cabbage rolls contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cabbage rolls contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cabbage rolls contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of cabbage rolls contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cabbage rolls are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. They also contain minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium.

Alergens

Cabbage rolls contain allergens such as wheat (if using breadcrumbs in the filling) and soy (if using soy sauce).

Summary

Cabbage rolls are a nutritious and balanced meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Cabbage rolls are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a flavorful filling of rice and ground beef wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and cooked in a savory tomato sauce, cabbage rolls are a satisfying meal option that is sure to please. Whether enjoyed as a special occasion dish or as a comforting weeknight meal, cabbage rolls are a versatile and delicious option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother. She was a wise woman, full of stories and delicious recipes passed down through generations. One day, she handed me a tattered old recipe book and told me to pick a recipe to make for dinner. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Cabbage Rolls. I had never heard of such a dish before, but something about it intrigued me.

My grandmother smiled as she saw my interest in the recipe. She told me that Cabbage Rolls were a traditional dish in our family, one that had been passed down for decades. She explained that the recipe was a labor of love, requiring patience and attention to detail. I was excited to learn how to make this dish, and my grandmother patiently guided me through every step.

First, we gathered all the ingredients we would need: a head of cabbage, ground beef, rice, onions, tomatoes, and a few other seasonings. My grandmother showed me how to carefully remove the leaves from the cabbage and blanch them in boiling water until they were soft and pliable. Meanwhile, we cooked the rice and browned the ground beef with onions and garlic, creating a flavorful filling for the rolls.

As we assembled the Cabbage Rolls, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood, when she would help her own grandmother make this dish for special occasions. She told me how important it was to roll the cabbage leaves tightly around the filling, creating neat little packages that would hold together as they cooked. I watched in awe as she expertly rolled each one, tucking in the sides to create a perfect roll.

Once all the rolls were assembled, we placed them in a baking dish and covered them with a rich tomato sauce. My grandmother told me that the sauce was the secret to making the dish truly delicious, infusing the rolls with flavor as they cooked. As we waited for the rolls to bake in the oven, the tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the Cabbage Rolls were finally done, we sat down to enjoy our meal together. The first bite was a revelation – the tender cabbage, savory filling, and tangy tomato sauce combined to create a dish unlike anything I had ever tasted. I felt proud to have helped create such a delicious and meaningful dish, one that connected me to my family's past and brought us together in the present.

From that day on, Cabbage Rolls became a favorite in our household, a dish that I would make for my own family as I grew older. I would pass the recipe down to my own children, just as my grandmother had done for me, ensuring that this cherished dish would continue to be a part of our family for generations to come.

As I look back on that day, I am filled with gratitude for my grandmother and the gift she gave me in teaching me how to make Cabbage Rolls. It is a recipe that has brought joy, comfort, and connection to my family throughout the years, a reminder of the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.

Categories

| Arabian Meat Dishes | Arabian Recipes | Cabbage Recipes | Ground Beef Recipes | Rice Recipes | Tomato Paste Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

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