The Comforting Dish Loved Worldwide: Cabbage Rolls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients like cabbage, ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce.
• Global Favorite: Originating in the Middle East, this dish is enjoyed in various cultures around the world.
• Make-Ahead Meal: Can be prepared in advance and reheated easily.

Ingredients

Cabbage:

• Green cabbage (recommended)
• Savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage (if green cabbage is unavailable)

Filling:

• Ground beef
• Rice (uncooked, long-grain brown or white)
• Egg
• Onion
• Garlic
• Dried oregano
• Ground nutmeg
• Black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Chopped parsley
• Garlic powder

Sauce:

• Tomato sauce
• Crushed tomatoes
• Dried bay leaves
• Red wine vinegar
• Honey

Instructions

Prepare the Cabbage:

1. Core the cabbage and remove any dirty leaves.
2. Simmer the cabbage in a large pot of water for 15 minutes.
3. Carefully lift the cabbage out and let it cool.
4. Peel 12 large, tender cabbage leaves from the head.
5. Trim any tough ribs from the leaves.

Make the Filling:

1. Cook the rice according to package directions.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic in a pan.
3. Add the ground beef, egg, and spices to the rice.
4. Mix well to combine.

Assemble the Rolls:

1. Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of a cabbage leaf.
2. Fold the sides of the leaf inwards and roll up from the stem side.
3. Place the rolls seam side down in a baking dish.

Make the Sauce:

1. Combine the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, spices, and herbs in a bowl.
2. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls.

Bake:

1. Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours.
2. Remove from the oven and let rest for 30 minutes.
3. Discard the bay leaves and serve.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, warm in the oven or microwave.