Swedish Kaldolmar(Stuffed Cabbage)
Swedish Kaldolmar are savory stuffed cabbage rolls filled with seasoned meat and rice, baked to perfection, offering comforting flavors perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Core the cabbage, pluck off leaves, and wilt them in boiling water.
- Season the ground beef and ground lean pork with salt, pepper, and allspice.
- Add boiled rice and minced onion to the meat mixture and mix well.
- Form the meat mixture into patties and wrap each in a cabbage leaf, fastening with toothpicks.
- Butter a pan and place the cabbage-wrapped patties side by side to maintain their shape while browning.
- Bake in a slow oven at 325°F for about 1 hour, basting occasionally with melted butter.
- Remove the rolls from the pan and prepare a gravy by mixing 1 tablespoon flour with 1/2 cup cream.
- Add the flour-cream mixture to the pan juices and cook until smooth.
- Return the cabbage rolls to the gravy to reheat before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a slightly different flavor, consider adding a pinch of allspice or nutmeg to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice or even quinoa as a substitute. To make the dish lighter, swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken. Ensure the cabbage leaves are pliable to avoid tearing when wrapping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kaldolmar with a side of mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes for a traditional touch. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of gravy complements the dish well. For a balanced meal, consider a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables on the side. This dish pairs beautifully with Sweet And Sour Cabbage Rolls for a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Kaldolmar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Kaldolmar(Stuffed Cabbage) contains roughly 546 calories, with 21g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1484mg per serving (65% 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 ground beef and pork, you can mix in ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like lentils for a meatless version. Just adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors.
How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing?
To prevent tearing, ensure the cabbage is blanched long enough for the leaves to become pliable. If you encounter difficulties, you can also use a knife to carefully trim the thick vein at the base of each leaf for easier rolling.
Can I make Kaldolmar ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Kaldolmar a day in advance. Assemble the rolls and place them in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated thoroughly.
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).