Description
This Mediterranean-Style Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is a quick and easy take on the traditional dish. Made with tender cabbage, lean ground beef or turkey, and flavorful spices, this dish is simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a comforting and wholesome meal. Perfect for those looking for healthy recipes, simple high-protein meals, and quick dinner ideas. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 small head cabbage, cored and chopped into large pieces
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 3/4 cup uncooked brown rice (or 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Blanch the cabbage: In a large pot, boil water and cook the cabbage until tender (5-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Cook the rice: In the same pot, bring water back to a boil, season with salt, and add uncooked rice. Cook for about 30 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions for 3-4 minutes, then add garlic and ground meat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Add blanched cabbage, cooked rice, parsley, dill, allspice, and cumin. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- You can substitute white rice for brown rice for a quicker cooking time.
- This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
- For extra flavor, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg