Mediterranean Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

For the cabbage rolls

• 1 large head of green cabbage

• 500 g (1 lb) lean ground chicken or turkey

• 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup finely chopped spinach or parsley

• ½ cup grated parmesan (optional)

• 1 egg (optional for binding)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes or tomato passata

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• ½ cup water or broth

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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🌿 Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage leaves

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Core the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water.

3. As the outer leaves soften, peel them off with tongs.

4. Set softened leaves aside (you’ll need about 12–14 leaves).

5. Trim the thick stem from each leaf to make rolling easier.

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2. Make the filling

1. In a bowl, combine:

   • Ground chicken/turkey

   • Cooked rice or quinoa

   • Onion

   • Garlic

   • Spinach/parsley

   • Parmesan

   • Egg (if using)

   • Oregano, basil, paprika

   • Salt, pepper, olive oil

2. Mix until well combined.

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3. Assemble the rolls

1. Lay a cabbage leaf flat.

2. Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the stem end.

3. Fold the sides in and roll like a burrito.

4. Repeat until all leaves are filled.

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4. Make the sauce

1. In a large pan or pot, heat olive oil.

2. Sauté onion until soft.

3. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and water/broth.

5. Simmer for 5 minutes.

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5. Cook the cabbage rolls

Option A: Stovetop (traditional)

1. Place the rolls seam-side down in the sauce.

2. Cover and simmer on low for 45–55 minutes, until cooked through.

Option B: Oven

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Arrange rolls in a baking dish, pour sauce over them.

3. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour.

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✨ Serve

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley

• Drizzle a little olive oil on top

• Serve with a side of Greek salad, crusty whole-grain bread, or roasted vegetables