Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe from USA | Healthy Meal

Region / culture: USA | Servings: : 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a delicious and comforting dish that is popular in many cultures around the world. This recipe features a flavorful filling of rice and spices wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and baked in a savory tomato sauce.

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 stuffed cabbage rolls are unclear, but they are believed to have been popularized by Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. Today, they are enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and are a beloved comfort food.

Ingredients

1 large head of cabbage
1 cup of chopped onion
1 minced garlic clove
1 tbsp of butter or margarine
1 tbsp of olive oil
0.5 tsp of ground black pepper
0.5 tsp of oregano
0.5 tsp of ground cumin
0.25 tsp of ground cinnamon
1 x 8 oz (227 g) can of tomato sauce, divided
1.5 cups of cooked rice (cooked in chicken broth)

How to prepare

Wash and clean the cabbage. Immerse it in salted boiling water and parboil for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the outer 8 leaves when they become pliable. Drain and set them aside.
In a large skillet, cook the onion and garlic in butter and oil over medium-high heat.
Add the pepper, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, and 0.25 cup of tomato sauce. Cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes.
Stir in the rice and remove from heat.
Spoon 0.25 cup of the rice mixture onto the center of each cabbage leaf. Tuck in the sides and roll tightly into cylinders.
Place the rolls in a greased baking dish. Pour the remaining 0.75 cup of tomato sauce on top. Cover the dish with foil.
Bake covered at 350°F (177°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.

Variations

:
Use ground beef or lamb instead of chicken for a different flavor.
Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the filling for extra nutrition.
Top the cabbage rolls with grated cheese before baking for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

- Be sure to parboil the cabbage leaves before filling and rolling them to make them pliable and easy to work with.

- Use a mixture of butter and oil to sauté the onions and garlic for added flavor.

- Make sure to tightly roll the cabbage leaves to prevent the filling from falling out during baking.

- Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the cabbage rolls moist and tender while they cook.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for added creaminess. Pair them with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Parboiling the cabbage leaves before filling and rolling them helps to soften them and make them easier to work with. Baking the rolls covered with foil helps to keep them moist and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or pork instead of chicken for the filling. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cabbage rolls up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This makes them a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

: Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a beautiful presentation. Serve them with a sprinkle of paprika for added color.

Pairing Recommendations

Stuffed cabbage rolls pair well with a glass of red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Merlot. They also go well with a side of crusty bread or rice pilaf.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of stuffed cabbage rolls contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of stuffed cabbage rolls contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of stuffed cabbage rolls contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of stuffed cabbage rolls contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese.

Alergens

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

Summary

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a nutritious and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a meal.

Summary

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. This recipe features a flavorful filling of rice and spices wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and baked in a savory tomato sauce. Enjoy this classic dish with your family and friends for a satisfying meal.

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 living in my small village in Eastern Europe. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, was a wonderful cook and she passed down many of her recipes to me.

One day, while I was helping my grandmother prepare dinner, she pulled out a worn and tattered recipe card from her recipe box. The card was yellowed with age and covered in splatters of tomato sauce and spices. It was for a dish called Stuffed Cabbage Rolls.

My grandmother told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations of our family and was a favorite among our ancestors. She explained to me how to carefully peel off the cabbage leaves, boil them until they were soft, and then fill them with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, onions, and spices.

As we worked together to make the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood and how she had learned the recipe from her own mother. She told me about the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to prepare each dish with love and care.

When the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls were finally ready, my grandmother placed a steaming plate in front of me and watched as I took my first bite. The flavors burst in my mouth - the tender cabbage, the flavorful meat, the aromatic spices - it was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, Stuffed Cabbage Rolls became a staple in our household. My grandmother would make them for special occasions, family gatherings, or just because she knew they were my favorite. And as I grew older, I began to make them myself, using the same recipe card that had been handed down through the generations.

Over the years, I have made Stuffed Cabbage Rolls for my own children and grandchildren. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about how delicious they are. And each time I make them, I remember that cherished memory of discovering the recipe for the first time with my grandmother by my side.

The aroma of the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls baking in the oven brings back memories of my childhood, of family dinners around the table, and of the love and tradition that have been passed down through the generations. And as I sit down to enjoy a plate of this comforting and flavorful dish, I am grateful for the legacy that my grandmother left me - a legacy of good food, shared memories, and a love for cooking that will never fade.