Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Traditional Comfort Dish)
Introduction
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic home-style dish loved in many cultures around the world, especially in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Mediterranean kitchens. Tender cabbage leaves are filled with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, rice, herbs, and spices, then slowly cooked in rich tomato sauce until soft and juicy. This dish is comforting, nutritious, and perfect for family meals or special gatherings.
Ingredients
For the cabbage
1 large green cabbage
Water for boiling
1 teaspoon salt
For the filling
500 g ground beef or chicken
1 cup uncooked rice, washed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon mixed spices
For the sauce
2 cups tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup water or broth
Preparation
Preparing the cabbage
Remove the outer damaged leaves from the cabbage. Cut the core carefully. Boil a large pot of salted water. Place the whole cabbage into boiling water and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until the leaves soften. Remove and let cool. Carefully separate the leaves without tearing them.
Preparing the filling
In a large bowl, mix ground meat, rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, paprika, and mixed spices. Mix well until fully combined.
Stuffing the cabbage
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly into a log shape. Continue until all filling is used.
Preparing the sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes. Add water or broth and simmer gently.
Cooking method
Place a layer of cabbage leaves at the bottom of a pot to prevent burning. Arrange the stuffed rolls tightly in the pot. Pour tomato sauce over the rolls until covered. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 45 to 60 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
Alternative methods
Oven method
Place rolls in a baking dish, cover with sauce, cover with foil, and bake at 180°C for 1 hour.
Pan-seared method
Lightly fry rolls in oil before adding sauce for a golden color and deeper flavor.
History
Stuffed cabbage rolls originated in ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and spread through Europe over centuries. They became popular in countries such as Turkey, Greece, Poland, Romania, and Russia. Each culture adapted the recipe with its own spices and fillings, making it a global comfort food.
Benefits
High in protein from meat and egg
Rich in fiber from cabbage
Contains vitamins C and K
Low in fat if prepared with lean meat
Good for digestion and heart health
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories 320
Protein 20 g
Carbohydrates 28 g
Fat 12 g
Fiber 4 g
Formation (presentation)
Serve cabbage rolls in a deep plate with tomato sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley. Best served hot with bread, rice, or yogurt on the side.
Lovers
This dish is loved by families, traditional food lovers, and people who enjoy slow-cooked meals. It is especially popular in winter and during family gatherings.
Conclusion
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a timeless dish combining simple ingredients with rich flavor. They are easy to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether cooked on the stove or baked in the oven, this recipe guarantees a warm, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
If you want, I can also give you
Synonyms
Short version
Spiced version
Cheese version
Chicken version
Arabic style
Turkish style
Romanian style
Just say which one you want.