Cabbage Rolls I

Norwegian Cabbage Rolls I Recipe - A Delicious and Traditional Dish

Region / culture: Norway | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food dish that is popular in many cultures around the world. These delicious rolls are made by wrapping seasoned ground beef in cabbage leaves and baking them until tender. They are perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Cabbage rolls have a long history and are believed to have originated in Eastern Europe. They are a traditional dish in countries such as Poland, Russia, and Ukraine, where they are often served at weddings and other celebrations. The recipe has been passed down through generations and has evolved over time to include different variations and ingredients.

Ingredients

16 medium cabbage leaves
boiling water
1 tsp salt per liter water
500 g (1 lb) ground beef
1.25 tsp salt
4 tsp potato starch
3 – 4 dcl full fat milk
0.5 tsp pepper
0.5 tsp ground ginger
0.25 tsp nutmeg
5 dcl boiling, lightly-salted water

How to prepare

Parboil the cabbage in lightly-salted boiling water for about 2 minutes.
Drain the cabbage well.
Cut out the thick stem part of the cabbage.
Preheat the oven to 160°C.
Mix the ground beef with salt and potato starch.
Gradually add milk to the beef mixture and season with spices.
Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf.
Wrap the cabbage leaf around the meat to form a small package.
Place the cabbage rolls in a greased ovenproof dish.
Pour water over the cabbage rolls and place the dish in a water bath.
Bake the cabbage rolls for about 30 minutes.

Variations

Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
Add rice or quinoa to the meat mixture for added texture and flavor.
Experiment with different seasonings such as garlic, paprika, or cumin for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to parboil the cabbage leaves before wrapping the meat mixture to make them easier to roll.

- Use a water bath when baking the cabbage rolls to ensure they cook evenly and stay moist.

- Feel free to customize the seasoning in the meat mixture to suit your taste preferences.

- Serve the cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream or tomato sauce for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cabbage rolls with a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the cabbage rolls in a water bath to ensure they cook evenly and stay moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground pork or lamb instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute the cabbage leaves with Swiss chard or collard greens for a twist on the classic recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the cabbage rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This is a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cabbage rolls on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the cabbage rolls with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cabbage rolls contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

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

Proteins

Each serving of cabbage rolls contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cabbage rolls are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron.

Alergens

Cabbage rolls may contain allergens such as dairy (milk) and gluten (potato starch).

Summary

Cabbage rolls are a nutritious and satisfying dish that is rich in proteins and vitamins. They make a great addition to a balanced diet.

Summary

Cabbage rolls are a timeless dish that is loved by many for its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients. Whether you enjoy them as a family dinner or a special occasion meal, these delicious rolls are sure to satisfy your cravings.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria. She had just come back from a trip to Eastern Europe and was raving about the delicious cabbage rolls she had tried there. As she described the dish to me, my mouth began to water and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

Maria was kind enough to share her recipe with me. She explained that cabbage rolls are a traditional dish in many Eastern European countries, made with cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, then simmered in a savory tomato sauce. It sounded like the perfect comfort food for a chilly day.

I watched closely as Maria demonstrated how to prepare the cabbage rolls. She carefully removed the outer leaves from a head of cabbage, blanching them in boiling water to soften them before filling them with the meat mixture. She then rolled them up tightly and placed them in a large pot, covering them with a rich tomato sauce before letting them simmer for hours on end.

As the aroma of the cabbage rolls filled the kitchen, I couldn't wait to try them. When they were finally ready, Maria served them piping hot with a dollop of sour cream on top. The first bite was pure heaven – the tender cabbage, the flavorful filling, the tangy tomato sauce – it was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

From that day on, cabbage rolls became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would often make them for my family and friends, each time adding my own twist to the recipe – a pinch of this spice, a dash of that herb – until I had perfected my own version of this classic dish.

I learned that the key to making delicious cabbage rolls lies in the quality of the ingredients. I would always use the freshest cabbage, the finest ground meat, and the ripest tomatoes I could find. I also discovered that patience is a virtue when it comes to cooking cabbage rolls – allowing them to simmer slowly on the stove for hours only enhances the flavors and textures of the dish.

Over the years, I have shared my cabbage roll recipe with many people. It has become a favorite at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations. I take pride in knowing that I am carrying on a culinary tradition that has been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own unique touch to the dish.

One day, while visiting my grandmother in the countryside, she shared with me her own version of cabbage rolls. She told me that she had learned how to make them from her mother, who had learned from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own flair to it.

My grandmother's cabbage rolls were unlike any I had ever tasted before. The filling was a mixture of ground pork and beef, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that had been handed down in our family for centuries. The tomato sauce was rich and velvety, with a hint of sweetness that complemented the savory filling perfectly.

As I savored each bite of my grandmother's cabbage rolls, I felt a deep sense of connection to my roots. I realized that cooking is not just about following a recipe – it is about preserving a legacy, honoring our ancestors, and sharing a piece of ourselves with those we love.

And so, whenever I make cabbage rolls now, I think of my grandmother and the generations of women who came before her. I feel their presence in my kitchen, guiding me as I roll each cabbage leaf, season each batch of filling, and simmer each pot of tomato sauce. And with each delicious bite, I am reminded of the power of food to bring us together, to tell our stories, and to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.