🥬 Mediterranean Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
🌿 Description
Soft cabbage leaves are filled with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and ground meat (or vegetarian filling), then gently cooked in a tangy tomato sauce. This dish is hearty, nourishing, and full of classic Mediterranean flavors.
🛒 Ingredients
For the rolls:
- 1 large cabbage (green or savoy)
- 1 cup cooked rice (or uncooked if simmering longer)
- 300g ground beef, lamb, or chicken (optional)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp dried mint or oregano
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
For the tomato sauce:
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1–2 cups water or broth
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare cabbage leaves
- Bring a large pot of water to boil.
- Carefully peel off cabbage leaves and blanch for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Make the filling
- In a pan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
- Add ground meat (if using) and cook until browned.
- Stir in rice, parsley, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Roll
- Place a spoonful of filling onto each cabbage leaf.
- Fold sides inward and roll tightly like a wrap.
4. Arrange & cook
- Place rolls seam-side down in a pot.
- Mix sauce ingredients and pour over the rolls.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 40–50 minutes.
5. Serve
- Serve warm with extra sauce and a squeeze of lemon.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian version: Use rice, lentils, and veggies instead of meat.
- Low-carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
- Extra flavor: Add cinnamon or allspice for a Middle Eastern touch.
- Creamy twist: Serve with yogurt or garlic sauce.
❓ Q&A
Q: Why are my cabbage rolls falling apart?
Make sure to roll tightly and place seam-side down.
Q: Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze before or after cooking for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I bake instead of simmer?
Yes—cover and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 1 hour.
Q: What to serve with them?
Bread, yogurt dip, or a fresh salad pairs perfectly.
