Stuffed Cabbage are a traditional dish of Turkish cuisine. It is a very nutritious dish that is generally consumed in winter. Basically, it is prepared by wrapping cabbage leaves with a stuffing made of rice, bulgur or minced meat. Stuffed Cabbage are usually prepared with olive oil and served with yoghurt or lemon juice. Various flavors can be obtained by enriching it with spices and different ingredients. Stuffed Cabbage are prepared and consumed in similar ways. Balkans and the Middle East, as well as in Turkey.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of white cabbage
- 250 grams of ground beef (preferably beef or lamb)
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of dried mint (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 cups of water
- Lemon slices and parsley leaves (for serving)
Instructions:
- Start by preparing the cabbage. In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage. Trim the tough core towards the center of the cabbage. As you remove the leaves, blanch them in the boiling water for about 5-7 minutes. Once blanched, drain the cabbage and immediately rinse it under cold water.
- For the filling, combine ground beef, chopped onion, washed rice, tomato paste, vegetable oil, and spices (mint, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt) in a large mixing bowl. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Lay out the blanched cabbage leaves on a flat surface. Place a spoonful of the filling mixture onto each leaf. Roll the cabbage leaf around the filling, tucking in the sides as you roll to form a tight roll.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls in a pot. Place them tightly but without overcrowding in the pot, as the rice will expand as it cooks. Drizzle butter or olive oil over the top of the cabbage rolls. Add water to cover them.
- Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let the cabbage rolls simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is tender.
- Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let the Stuffed Cabbage rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the Stuffed Cabbage on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves and lemon slices. You can serve them with yogurt or pickles on the side.
This delicious cabbage roll recipe is both easy to make and satisfying. It’s a traditional dish that will be loved by your family and guests alike. Enjoy!
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