Kaposzta(Stuffed Cabbage Leaves)
Kaposzta is a hearty Hungarian dish featuring stuffed cabbage leaves filled with seasoned meat and rice, cooked in tomato-based sauce for a comforting, savory meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill each empty tomato can with water and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine chopped onions, uncooked rice, ground beef and/or pork, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Separate the cabbage leaves carefully, blanch if necessary, and stuff each leaf with the meat mixture.
- Wrap or roll the stuffed cabbage leaves securely.
- Place the stuffed leaves in a large pot, add rinsed and drained sauerkraut around and on top.
- Pour the tomato soup and chopped peeled tomatoes over the cabbage and sauerkraut.
- Add the water from the tomato cans to the pot.
- Cover tightly and cook on very low heat for approximately 2 hours.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, sauté the onions until golden before mixing them with the meat. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef and pork if desired. If you prefer a bit of spice, add some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. Blanching the cabbage leaves will make them easier to roll and stuff.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed cabbage hot, garnished with fresh parsley or dill. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of sour cream for added creaminess. For a complete meal, offer a refreshing salad or serve alongside Hungarian Goulash Soup(Not Just A Soup - A Meal!) to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the stuffed cabbage in a pot with a little water or broth, cover, and heat on low until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kaposzta(Stuffed Cabbage Leaves) contains roughly 203 calories, with 4g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1417mg per serving (62% 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 use different types of meat for the filling?
Absolutely! While the traditional recipe uses beef and pork, you can experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless mixture using lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
How do I know when the stuffed cabbage is cooked?
The stuffed cabbage is done when the rice is tender and the meat is fully cooked. Check the center of the rolls; they should be hot and the cabbage leaves should be soft but not falling apart.
Can I freeze the stuffed cabbage?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed cabbage before or after cooking. Allow them to cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen, adding extra time to cook.
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).