Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Delicious and comforting Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls featuring ground lamb or beef mixed with rice and aromatic spices, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. A wholesome, traditional Middle Eastern dish perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 500g (1 lb) ground lamb or beef
- 1 cup raw white or brown rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cabbage
- 1 large green cabbage, outer leaves removed and blanched
Tomato Sauce
- 2 medium tomatoes, blended or chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups water or broth
- Salt and sugar to taste (optional)
Optional Garnishes
- Pine nuts
- Raisins
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, raw rice, finely chopped onion, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Blanch the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Submerge the cabbage leaves for 1–2 minutes until they become pliable but still hold their shape. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Roll the Stuffed Cabbage: Place a spoonful of the meat and rice mixture near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll upwards tightly to secure the filling inside.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the blended or chopped tomatoes, cooking for 5 minutes to develop flavor. Season with salt and sugar if needed.
- Arrange the Rolls in the Pot: Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in layers inside the pot with the tomato sauce, gently pressing to fit.
- Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in water or broth just until it covers the rolls halfway. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the rice inside is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional toppings like pine nuts, raisins, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve warm with a side of yogurt or fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You may substitute ground beef with ground lamb or a mix of both for authentic flavor.
- Blanching the cabbage leaves is essential to make them pliable and easier to roll.
- Brown rice can be used but may require longer cooking time.
- Adjust seasoning of the tomato sauce by adding a pinch of sugar to balance acidity if needed.
- Serve with Greek yogurt or labneh to complement the spiced meat filling.
Keywords: Lebanese stuffed cabbage rolls, cabbage rolls, ground lamb recipe, Middle Eastern cuisine, stuffed vegetables, tomato sauce rolls, traditional Lebanese dish
Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/lebanese-stuffed-cabbage-rolls-recipe/
