Stuffed Cabbage Leaves(Greece)
Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned ground meat and rice, then simmered in tomato broth for a hearty, flavorful Greek dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat and chopped onion until the meat is crumbly and the onion is golden.
- Add rice, mint leaves, parsley, dill weed, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate pot, boil the cabbage until slightly tender.
- Separate the cabbage leaves and allow them to cool.
- If the cabbage leaves are too large, cut them in half.
- Place one heaping tablespoon of filling on each leaf and roll into a ball shape.
- Arrange a few outer leaves in a medium kettle, then place the cabbage rolls close together over these leaves.
- Add broth or water to cover the rolls.
- Place a heavy plate over the rolls to prevent breaking during cooking.
- Cover the kettle and cook for 35 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Pour off all liquid, reserving it to make Egg-Lemon Sauce (Avogolemeno).
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting ground meat with turkey or a mixture of ground meats. Fresh herbs can enhance the dish; if you have fresh dill, use it instead of dill weed. If the cabbage leaves are too difficult to roll, you can use collard greens or Swiss chard as an alternative. Be sure to season the filling well, as it will impact the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a drizzle of Egg-Lemon Sauce (Avogolemeno) for a classic touch. They pair wonderfully with a side of Hummus(Chickpea Spread) or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. A slice of crusty bread can also complement the dish, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth, cover, and warm over low heat until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Cabbage Leaves(Greece) contains roughly 120 calories, with 10g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1260mg per serving (55% 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 the stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and roll the cabbage leaves in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld, making the dish even tastier when you finally cook it.
What can I serve with stuffed cabbage leaves?
Stuffed cabbage leaves go well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a tangy Greek salad or roasted vegetables. A simple yogurt sauce can also add a refreshing contrast to the flavors. If you're looking for more ideas, browse Mediterranean recipes for side dishes that match well.
Is there a vegetarian version of stuffed cabbage?
Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian version by replacing the ground meat with lentils or a mixture of quinoa and chopped vegetables. Season the filling with the same herbs and spices for a delicious meatless option that still delivers on flavor.
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).