Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Lebanese stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting dish that combines tender cabbage leaves with a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This flavorful recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, delivering delightful textures and tastes that will keep everyone coming back for more.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Boil water in a large pot. Remove the core from the cabbage and immerse it in boiling water for about five minutes until the leaves soften. Cool slightly and peel off leaves.
- Make the Filling: Sauté onions in a skillet over medium heat until translucent. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in rice, tomato paste, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place about two tablespoons of filling at the base of each leaf, roll tightly while tucking in sides. Repeat with remaining leaves.
- Prepare the Sauce: Mix diced tomatoes with salt, pepper, and additional spices if desired. Pour half into a baking dish.
- Bake: Arrange rolls seam-side down on top of sauce, cover with remaining sauce, adding water if needed to submerge halfway. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving with sauce drizzled on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Blanching cabbage leaves helps prevent tearing during rolling. Customize your filling by substituting ground meat with quinoa or lentils for a vegetarian option. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on stovetop or oven.