Barley-Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory barley, spinach, and cheese filling, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 large cabbage leaves ⓘ
- boiling water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup barley ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 minced garlic clove ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon safflower oil ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- dash pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Place cabbage leaves in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside.
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Stir barley into boiling water, cover, and simmer about 1 hour or until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the cooked barley and set aside.
- Cook chopped onion and minced garlic in safflower oil in a skillet until tender.
- Add thawed and well-drained chopped spinach to the skillet and cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Drain the cabbage leaves.
- Mix cooked barley with the sautéed spinach mixture, shredded Cheddar cheese, egg, and a dash of pepper.
- Place a spoonful of the filling onto each cabbage leaf and roll up to enclose the filling.
- In a small saucepan, combine water, tomato paste, chicken bouillon cubes, and lemon juice, and bring to a boil.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls in a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier filling, consider adding cooked lentils or quinoa as a substitute for barley. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the chicken bouillon cubes and use vegetable broth instead. To enhance flavor, add herbs like dill or parsley to the filling mixture. Make sure to drain the spinach thoroughly to prevent soggy rolls.
Serving Suggestions
These barley-stuffed cabbage rolls make a delightful main dish, especially when served with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. They pair beautifully with Baked Garlic Appetizers for a complete meal. Consider drizzling some extra tomato sauce over the top before serving for added moisture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them on medium power until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barley-Stuffed Cabbage Rolls contains roughly 850 calories, with 21g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (122% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1002mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cabbage rolls a day in advance. Assemble them and place in a baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and pour the sauce over them, then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
You can substitute Cheddar cheese with other types such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor. If you want a sharper taste, try using Gruyère or a vegan cheese alternative if you are looking for a dairy-free option.
Can I freeze the stuffed cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! To freeze, prepare the rolls and place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze them before or after baking. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).