Stuffed Cabbage Meat Patties are a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender cabbage leaves with seasoned ground meat, making them a delicious alternative to traditional cabbage rolls. With a filling of breadcrumbs and ground meat, these patties can be made with beef, pork, chicken, or a combination of your choice. The patties are fried to golden perfection, providing a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed as a main dish with your favorite side, and it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Patties:

• Cabbage – 1 head
• Ground meat (beef, pork, or chicken) – 500g
• Breadcrumbs – 1 cup
• Salt – To taste
• Black pepper – To taste
• Olive oil – For frying
• Optional seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Boil the Cabbage: Start by removing the outer leaves from the cabbage. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the whole cabbage head. Boil for about 5-7 minutes, or until the leaves begin to soften and separate. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool. Once cool, carefully peel off the leaves one by one. You will need about 10 large cabbage leaves for the patties.
2. Trim the Leaves: Use a sharp knife to trim the thick stem on each cabbage leaf. This will make the leaves easier to roll and work with. Set the prepared cabbage leaves aside.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Prepare the Ground Meat: In a large bowl, combine 500g of ground meat (your choice of beef, pork, chicken, or a mixture). Add 1 cup of breadcrumbs, salt and pepper to taste, and any additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
2. Shape the Patties: Take a small handful of the meat mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and form it into a patty. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture has been used, setting the formed patties aside on a plate.

Step 3: Wrap the Patties in Cabbage Leaves

1. Wrap the Patties: Take one cabbage leaf and place a meat patty in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the patty and then roll it up tightly, like you would a burrito. Ensure the meat is fully enclosed in the cabbage. Repeat this process for all the patties, wrapping each one in a cabbage leaf.

Step 4: Fry the Patties

1. Heat the Oil: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan to ensure the patties get a nice, crispy sear.
2. Fry the Cabbage-Wrapped Patties: Place the cabbage-wrapped patties seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry each patty for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the cabbage leaves are golden brown and crispy and the meat inside is fully cooked. Depending on the thickness of your patties, you may need to fry them in batches.
3. Drain the Patties: Once the patties are fully cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve the Patties

1. Serve Hot: Serve the cabbage-wrapped meat patties hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also drizzle some sour cream or tomato sauce on top for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips:

• Blanching the Cabbage Leaves: If you find that your cabbage leaves are too stiff to work with, blanch them for an additional minute or two to soften them further. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can become too mushy and tear easily.
• Seasoning the Meat: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the meat mixture to your taste. You can add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill for extra flavor. For a bit of spice, consider adding chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Baking Option: If you prefer, you can bake the cabbage-wrapped patties in the oven. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the patties on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is crispy.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked cabbage-wrapped patties. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook, simply thaw in the refrigerator and fry or bake as instructed.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Patties):

• Calories: 280-320 kcal
• Protein: 18-20g
• Fat: 15-18g
• Carbohydrates: 12-15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400-500mg

These cabbage-wrapped meat patties are a balanced dish, providing a good amount of protein from the ground meat, fiber from the cabbage, and healthy fats from the olive oil. By frying the patties, you get a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat filling inside.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use any type of ground meat you prefer, including beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. You can also mix different types of meat for added flavor.

2. How do I prevent the patties from falling apart? To help bind the meat mixture together, you can add a beaten egg to the mixture. If the patties are still falling apart, try chilling them for 10-15 minutes before wrapping them in cabbage leaves, which will help them firm up.

3. Can I make these patties ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the cabbage-wrapped patties a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry them. This makes them a great option for meal prepping.

4. What can I serve with these patties? These patties pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a light salad. You can also serve them with a side of sour cream or tomato sauce for dipping.

5. Can I use pre-cooked cabbage leaves? Yes, if you have pre-cooked cabbage leaves on hand, you can use them. Just make sure they’re pliable enough to wrap around the meat patties.

Conclusion:

These Stuffed Cabbage Meat Patties are a delicious and hearty dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. With tender cabbage leaves encasing savory, seasoned meat, the patties are fried to perfection for a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful filling. Whether you serve them for a family dinner or make them in advance for meal prep, this versatile dish is sure to satisfy. The added flexibility of customizing the meat and seasonings means you can make this recipe your own, offering endless variations for different tastes. Enjoy these patties with a side of your favorite veggies or a dollop of sour cream for a complete meal.