Description
Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and flavorful dish featuring savory ground beef or lamb mixed with rice and spices, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and simmered in a zesty tomato and lemon sauce. This traditional Middle Eastern recipe combines simple ingredients with slow simmering to deliver a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 large cabbage
- 1 cup rice
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Boil the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully place the whole head into the boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until the outer leaves soften and become pliable.
- Prepare Cabbage Leaves: Using tongs, gently peel off the softened cabbage leaves one by one and set them aside to cool for filling and rolling.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the rice, ground beef or lamb, finely chopped onion, chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, and allspice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Rolls: Place a spoonful of the meat and rice mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Carefully roll the leaf tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides to secure the stuffing.
- Layer the Pot: In a large pot, arrange a layer of cabbage leaves at the bottom to prevent sticking and burning during cooking.
- Arrange the Rolls: Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot, packing them snugly in layers.
- Add Sauce and Water: Pour the tomato sauce and freshly squeezed lemon juice evenly over the cabbage rolls. Add enough water to cover the rolls completely for even simmering.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 1 hour until the rice and meat filling is cooked through and the flavors meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use ground lamb for a richer, more authentic flavor, or ground beef as a milder alternative.
- Allspice adds warmth and is essential for traditional Lebanese flavor; don’t omit.
- Simmering on low heat prevents the rolls from falling apart and ensures tender cabbage.
- You can prepare these rolls a day ahead; they taste even better after resting overnight.
- Serve with yogurt or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
