Mom'S Stuffed Cabbage (Sweet And Sour)
Sweet and sour stuffed cabbage features tender cabbage leaves filled with seasoned meat, enhanced with ketchup or tomato soup, brown sugar, raisins, and a touch of lemon or sour salts, offering a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage by removing the core and boiling or steaming until the leaves are soft enough to handle.
- Mix chopped meat with brown sugar, raisins, egg, and seasonings as desired.
- If using lemon juice, use 2 tablespoons; otherwise, use sour salts as preferred.
- Spread a portion of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll up securely.
- Place the stuffed cabbage rolls in a large pot or baking dish.
- Combine water with ketchup or tomato soup and pour over the rolls.
- Add lemon juice or sour salts to the sauce if using.
- Cover and simmer or bake until the meat is cooked through and flavors meld, approximately 1.5 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding chopped onions and garlic to the meat mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chopped meat with a mix of quinoa and finely chopped vegetables. To ease the rolling process, you can also soften the cabbage leaves in hot water. Ensure to use a heavy pot for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mom's Stuffed Cabbage with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad to balance the flavors. Consider serving it alongside Flavored Squares for a delightful meal experience. This dish also makes a comforting starter for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a baking dish with a splash of water and cover with foil, baking at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Stuffed Cabbage (Sweet And Sour) contains roughly 508 calories, with 43g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (85% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?
Yes, stuffed cabbage rolls can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the oven or on the stovetop with a bit of sauce.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to achieve similar sweetness and flavor. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can also work, but adjust the quantity as they are sweeter than brown sugar.
How do I know when the stuffed cabbage is done?
The stuffed cabbage is done when the meat is fully cooked, and the cabbage leaves are tender. You can check the internal temperature of the meat, which should reach 160°F. Additionally, the dish will have a fragrant aroma, indicating that the flavors have melded beautifully.
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).