Cabbage Rolls

Introduction

Cabbage Rolls are a comforting, hearty dish that features tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, vegetables, and lean protein. These rolls are simmered in a rich tomato sauce, making them a perfect balance of savory and slightly tangy flavors. This version of cabbage rolls is made without pork, bacon, or any alcoholic beverages, focusing on wholesome ingredients that still provide the same delicious comfort food experience.

I remember the first time I made these for a cozy family dinner. The aroma of the simmering tomato sauce filled the house, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. What’s great about cabbage rolls is how customizable they are—you can adjust the filling with your choice of vegetables or seasonings to match your preferences. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or meal prepping for the week, these cabbage rolls are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Meal prepping
• Comfort food cravings
• Vegetarian or lean meat lovers
• Holiday or special occasions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Cabbage Rolls are bound to become your new favorite dish:

• Flavorful Stuffing: A combination of rice, vegetables, and lean protein creates a filling that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
• Tomato Sauce: The rolls are simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce, making each bite burst with flavor.
• Healthy Option: Without the pork and bacon, this recipe offers a lighter alternative while still being hearty and delicious.
• Easy to Make in Batches: You can prepare a large batch of cabbage rolls for family gatherings or for leftovers throughout the week.
• Comforting Dish: Cabbage rolls are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings or holiday meals.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 40 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cabbage Rolls:

For the Rolls:

• 1 medium head of cabbage
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
• 1 lb ground chicken or turkey (lean)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Chicken/Turkey: A lean protein option that keeps the dish light while still being hearty.
• Rice: Adds a nice texture to the filling and helps to bind the ingredients together.
• Cabbage: Provides a tender and slightly sweet wrapper for the flavorful stuffing.
• Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Form the base of the simmering sauce, giving the rolls a rich, comforting flavor.
• Carrots & Onion: Add sweetness, crunch, and flavor to the filling and sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cabbage Rolls:

Prepare the Cabbage:

1. Boil the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully peel the cabbage leaves, trying to keep them intact. Blanch the cabbage leaves in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are pliable. Remove the leaves and set them aside to cool. Save the core of the cabbage for later use in the sauce if desired.

Make the Filling:

2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and shredded carrots, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Cook the Meat: Add the ground chicken or turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Add thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Stir well to combine.
4. Add Rice: Stir in the cooked rice, mixing everything together until the filling is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

5. Make the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:

6. Stuff the Leaves: Take one cabbage leaf at a time and cut out the tough vein from the bottom. Place a generous amount of the meat and rice filling in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly, securing the filling inside.
7. Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place each stuffed cabbage roll seam-side down in a baking dish or casserole dish. Continue rolling the remaining cabbage leaves with the filling and arranging them in the dish.

Simmer the Cabbage Rolls:

8. Pour the Sauce Over the Rolls: Once all the rolls are in the dish, pour the tomato sauce over the top, covering the rolls completely. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
9. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cabbage rolls for 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Serve:

10. Serve and Enjoy: Let the cabbage rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. They can be served with extra tomato sauce or a side of crusty bread.

How to Serve

Cabbage Rolls are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• With a Side of Mashed Potatoes: Cabbage rolls pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, making for a comforting and filling meal.
• With a Fresh Salad: A side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the savory rolls.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce for a complete meal.
• With Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy contrast to the tangy tomato sauce.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Cabbage Rolls turn out perfectly:

• Blanch the Cabbage Leaves Well: Don’t skip the blanching step, as it helps to soften the cabbage leaves, making them easier to roll.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cabbage rolls a day ahead and refrigerate them in the tomato sauce before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to cook.
• Use Ground Beef or Lamb: If you want to include a different protein, you can substitute the ground chicken or turkey with ground beef or lamb for a richer flavor.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Cabbage Rolls:

• Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls: Replace the meat with lentils or quinoa for a plant-based version.
• Greek-Inspired Cabbage Rolls: Add feta cheese and olives to the filling for a Mediterranean twist.
• Rice-Free Cabbage Rolls: Skip the rice and fill the cabbage rolls with more vegetables for a low-carb version.
• Stuffed with Quinoa: Substitute the rice with cooked quinoa for a gluten-free and protein-packed alternative.
• Spicy Cabbage Rolls: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling for a bit of heat.
• Sweet and Sour Cabbage Rolls: Add a tablespoon of vinegar and a little honey to the sauce for a sweet and tangy kick.
• Tomato-Free Sauce: If you prefer, you can simmer the rolls in a broth-based sauce instead of a tomato sauce.
• Cabbage Roll Soup: Use the same filling and sauce, but cook everything in a large pot with extra broth for a comforting soup.
• With Rice and Beans: Add black beans or kidney beans to the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Low-Sodium Cabbage Rolls: Use low-sodium tomato sauce and avoid adding extra salt to keep this dish heart-healthy.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Cabbage rolls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or foil and placing them in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Storage: Store leftover cabbage rolls in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Cabbage Rolls easier:

• Large Pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the cabbage leaves.
• Skillet: A skillet for sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat.
• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish is perfect for baking the cabbage rolls.
• Food Processor: A food processor can quickly chop the vegetables for the filling.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of cabbage?
   You can use napa cabbage or savoy cabbage as alternatives to regular green cabbage for a softer leaf.
2. Can I make these in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I use a different meat for the filling?
   Yes, you can substitute the ground chicken or turkey with ground beef, lamb, or even a combination of both.
4. How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing?
   Be gentle when removing the leaves from the cabbage head and be sure to blanch them properly to avoid tears.
5. Can I make this recipe without rice?
   Yes, you can skip the rice and replace it with other grains like quinoa or couscous, or even use extra vegetables for a low-carb version.

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Conclusion

Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful filling and a rich tomato sauce, this recipe offers all the warmth and satisfaction of traditional cabbage rolls, without the pork, bacon, or alcohol. Whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy evening or serving them at a gathering, these cabbage rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The tender cabbage leaves wrap around a delicious filling of seasoned rice and vegetables, then simmered in a savory tomato sauce, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.

This recipe is easy to make and perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a nourishing meal ready to go. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete, comforting meal.

I’d love to see your Cabbage Rolls come together! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!