Haitian Stuffed Cabbage

Haitian Stuffed Cabbage Recipe - Authentic Haitian Flavors

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Haitian Stuffed Cabbage is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of ground meat, rice, and spices all wrapped up in tender cabbage leaves. This traditional Haitian recipe is a favorite among many families and is perfect for a comforting meal.

History

Haitian Stuffed Cabbage has its roots in Haitian cuisine, where cabbage is a commonly used ingredient in many dishes. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is a popular choice for special occasions and family gatherings.

Ingredients

One large head of cabbage
One pound (454 g) of ground meat
Quarter cup of milk
One medium chopped onion
Two teaspoons of salt
Quarter cup of cooked rice
One-eighth teaspoon of pepper

How to prepare

Remove the large outer leaves from the cabbage and set them aside.
Plunge both the cabbage and the reserved leaves into a pot of salted boiling water.
After 15 minutes, remove them from the water and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Place the cabbage, stem side down, on a square of cheese-cloth.
Carefully separate the leaves and remove the heart of the cabbage.
Replace the heart with a ball of stuffing (see recipe below) and continue stuffing between the leaves.
Once the cabbage is fully stuffed, brush it well with oil and tie the four corners of the cheese-cloth together to form a bundle.
Place this bundle in a well-greased baking dish.
Pour bouillon around the cabbage.
Cover the dish and bake in a fairly hot oven (375°F or 191°C) for about an hour.
Remove the cover and continue basting until the cabbage is thoroughly cooked.
The sauce should have reduced considerably.
Remove the cheese-cloth.
Serve the cabbage with the sauce.

Variations

You can add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the stuffing mixture for added flavor.
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or chickpeas.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly rinse the cabbage leaves after boiling to remove any excess salt.

- Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the heart of the cabbage without tearing the leaves.

- Brushing the cabbage with oil before baking will help it brown and crisp up nicely.

- Basting the cabbage while baking will help keep it moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Haitian Stuffed Cabbage can be served with a side of plantains, rice, or beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, boiling, and stuffing are the main cooking techniques used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground meat for a lighter option. You can also use quinoa or couscous instead of rice.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the stuffed cabbage ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This dish also freezes well for future meals.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Haitian Stuffed Cabbage on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Haitian Stuffed Cabbage pairs well with a crisp salad, a side of plantains, or a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers 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 Haitian Stuffed Cabbage contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Haitian Stuffed Cabbage contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Haitian Stuffed Cabbage contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Haitian Stuffed Cabbage contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Haitian Stuffed Cabbage is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and gluten (from the cooked rice). It may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Haitian Stuffed Cabbage is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Haitian Stuffed Cabbage is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or family meal. With a delicious combination of ground meat, rice, and spices, this traditional Haitian recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Haitian Stuffed Cabbage. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a faded recipe for Stuffed Cabbage that caught my attention.

The recipe called for a unique blend of spices and ingredients that I had never seen before. It combined the flavors of ground beef, rice, and traditional Haitian seasonings like thyme, parsley, and scotch bonnet peppers. I knew I had to try it.

I had always been drawn to the flavors of the Caribbean, having grown up in a family that loved to cook and experiment with different cuisines. My grandmother had taught me the art of cooking from a young age, and I had spent countless hours in the kitchen with her, learning her secrets and techniques.

But this recipe was different. It spoke to me in a way that no other recipe had before. It was a taste of a culture that was foreign to me, yet somehow familiar. I could almost imagine the bustling markets of Haiti, the vibrant colors and the tantalizing smells that filled the air.

I set to work, gathering the ingredients and following the recipe step by step. I sautéed the ground beef with onions and garlic, adding in the rice and spices until the mixture was fragrant and flavorful. I carefully peeled off the leaves of the cabbage, blanching them in hot water until they were pliable and easy to roll.

I spooned the filling onto each cabbage leaf, rolling them up tightly and placing them in a baking dish. I poured a rich tomato sauce over the top, sprinkling it with a generous amount of cheese before popping it into the oven to bake.

As the stuffed cabbage cooked, the aroma filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When it was finally done, I couldn't wait to dig in. The flavors were incredible - a perfect balance of savory and spicy, with a hint of sweetness from the cabbage.

I shared the dish with my family, who raved about how delicious it was. They couldn't believe that I had made something so exotic and flavorful. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had successfully recreated a taste of Haiti in my own kitchen.

Since that day, Haitian Stuffed Cabbage has become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I make it for special occasions and family gatherings, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe. It has become a part of my culinary identity, a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that comes from exploring new flavors and ingredients.

I am grateful for that serendipitous moment when I stumbled upon the recipe for Haitian Stuffed Cabbage. It has enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined, connecting me to a culture and cuisine that has captured my heart. And for that, I will always be grateful.