There are certain dishes that carry with them a sense of tradition, nostalgia, and comfort. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are one of those dishes. Known in many cultures, from Eastern European to Middle Eastern cuisines, cabbage rolls are a hearty and satisfying meal filled with ground meat, vegetables, and a blend of spices, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. The combination of savory, aromatic filling and soft cabbage creates an irresistible bite, and when topped with a crispy batter, the result is nothing short of delicious.
This particular recipe offers a flavorful twist on the traditional cabbage roll by using a savory batter that envelops the filling. This version of stuffed cabbage rolls uses a blend of ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination), onions, and a variety of seasonings, all sautéed to perfection. The batter, which consists of eggs, sour cream, and spices, coats the cabbage rolls, adding a crispy golden layer that contrasts wonderfully with the tender meat and cabbage.
Stuffed cabbage rolls are not only a comfort food but also a great dish for feeding a crowd or preparing in advance for busy weeknights. The dish is versatile, and the ingredients can be adapted to suit personal preferences, making it a perfect meal for everyone at the table. It’s also an ideal choice for family gatherings, holidays, or casual dinners when you want to impress your guests with something hearty and homemade. The rich flavor profile, crispy texture, and satisfying filling make these stuffed cabbage rolls a timeless favorite.
Whether served alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad, these stuffed cabbage rolls are a perfect example of a dish that can be both nourishing and comforting. The tender cabbage, savory meat filling, and crispy batter come together in a perfect harmony that makes this meal a surefire hit. And the best part? It’s even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld and develop.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 small head of cabbage (about 600 g)
- 30 ml vegetable oil
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 300 g ground meat (beef, pork, or a mixture)
- Salt, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Ground coriander, to taste
For the Batter:
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- Salt, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 4-5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Steps to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Begin by removing the outer leaves from the cabbage and carefully cutting out the core. Then, blanch the cabbage head in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until the leaves are soft and pliable. Alternatively, you can freeze the cabbage for 24 hours and then defrost it, which will make the leaves easier to separate.
- Once the cabbage is softened, carefully peel off the outer leaves. You should be able to get about 8-10 large leaves that you can stuff. Set them aside.
- Make the Filling:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the ground meat to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, paprika, ground black pepper, and ground coriander, adjusting the spices to your taste. Stir well to ensure that the meat is fully seasoned and cooked through. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together. Add the sour cream, salt, paprika, black pepper, and flour. Mix well to form a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cabbage rolls, but not too thick to make it hard to work with.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Take each cabbage leaf and carefully cut off the tough vein in the center. Place a generous amount of the meat mixture at the base of each leaf.
- Roll the cabbage leaf tightly around the filling, folding in the sides as you go to form a neat roll. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Fry the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Heat a bit of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each stuffed cabbage roll into the prepared batter, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Fry the rolls, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 6-8 minutes per side. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cabbage rolls are fried to a golden crisp, remove them from the skillet and drain any excess oil on a paper towel.
- Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot with a side of sour cream, fresh herbs like parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6
Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless
Stuffed cabbage rolls have been a staple in many cultures for centuries, and their timelessness lies in their simplicity, versatility, and the comfort they provide. This dish has been passed down through generations, often made for family gatherings or special occasions. The combination of hearty meat filling, tender cabbage, and crispy batter is satisfying yet light, offering a unique balance of textures. The spices used in the filling, along with the creamy sour cream batter, give the cabbage rolls a distinct flavor that makes them stand out from other stuffed vegetable dishes. This recipe also offers flexibility — you can swap out the type of meat or even make them vegetarian by using rice and vegetables as the filling. The ease with which you can adapt this recipe makes it accessible to many and ensures it will remain a favorite for years to come.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
FAQs:
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cabbage rolls in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just fry them right before serving for the best crispy texture.
- Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls? Yes, once fried, you can freeze these cabbage rolls for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
- Can I make them vegetarian? Absolutely! Replace the meat filling with a mixture of rice, sautéed onions, and chopped vegetables. Season it to taste with herbs and spices.
Tips for Making Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Don’t overfill the cabbage leaves: It’s important to leave enough room for the cabbage to wrap snugly around the filling. Overfilling can cause the rolls to burst open during cooking.
- Use a large skillet: To ensure even frying, use a large skillet so that the cabbage rolls don’t overcrowd. Frying them in batches will give you the best results.
- Adjust the seasoning: This dish can be easily adjusted to your taste by adding more or less of your favorite spices. Try experimenting with cumin or coriander for a different flavor profile.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze stuffed cabbage rolls for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy.
Conclusion:
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Meat Filling are more than just a meal — they’re a culinary tradition that has stood the test of time. Their versatility allows for endless variations, while their comforting combination of flavors and textures makes them a dish that will be cherished by anyone who tries it. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion, a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, these cabbage rolls are guaranteed to become a beloved recipe in your home. Don’t forget to serve them with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for the perfect finishing touch!