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Almost Stuffed Cabbage, also known as “Lazy Cabbage Rolls,” is a delicious and simplified version of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. This dish combines the flavors of stuffed cabbage with a fraction of the effort. Here’s a detailed response filled with emojis for your enjoyment!
What is Almost Stuffed Cabbage?
Almost Stuffed Cabbage is a hearty and comforting dish made with ground meat, rice, cabbage, tomatoes, and various seasonings. It’s a convenient alternative to traditional cabbage rolls because it doesn’t require the time-consuming process of individually stuffing cabbage leaves.
History:
π The history of this dish can be traced back to Eastern European and Mediterranean cuisines, where stuffed cabbage rolls are a popular and cherished dish. The “almost” version likely originated from a desire to simplify the preparation while retaining the delicious flavors.
Components:
To make Almost Stuffed Cabbage, you’ll need:
- Ground meat (commonly beef or pork)
- Cabbage
- Rice
- Tomatoes (usually in the form of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes)
- Onions
- Garlic
- Spices and herbs (such as paprika, thyme, and bay leaves)
- Broth or water
- Salt and pepper
Steps to Prepare Almost Stuffed Cabbage:
π©βπ³ Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delightful dish:
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Prepare the Cabbage:
- Start by removing the outer leaves of the cabbage and cutting it into wedges or large pieces. Blanch the cabbage in boiling water for a few minutes to soften the leaves. Then, drain and set aside.
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Cook the Filling:
- In a skillet, sautΓ© chopped onions and garlic until they become translucent.
- Add the ground meat and cook until it’s browned and crumbled.
- Stir in the rice, spices, and herbs. Cook for a few more minutes to toast the rice lightly.
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Layer the Ingredients:
- In a large pot or casserole dish, layer the blanched cabbage, meat and rice mixture, and tomatoes. Season each layer with salt and pepper.
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Simmer:
- Pour broth or water over the layers until they’re submerged.
- Add bay leaves for extra flavor.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked.
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Serve:
- Carefully scoop out portions of the Almost Stuffed Cabbage onto plates. The cabbage should be tender, and the flavors will have melded together beautifully.
Time Needed to Prepare:
β° The preparation time for Almost Stuffed Cabbage can vary, but it typically takes about 30 minutes for prep and 1-1.5 hours for cooking, making it a total of approximately 1.5-2 hours from start to finish.
Now you’re ready to enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish! ππ½οΈ Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almost Stuffed Cabbage:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3-5g
- Sugars: 4-6g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Cholesterol: 40-50mg
- Sodium: 600-800mg
- Potassium: 500-600mg
- Vitamin A: 10-15% DV
- Vitamin C: 30-40% DV
- Calcium: 6-8% DV
- Iron: 15-20% DV
Health Information:
- Almost Stuffed Cabbage can be a nutritious meal, especially if you use lean ground meat and brown rice. It provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.
- Cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable that’s rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and provides some dietary fiber.
- Tomatoes in the dish offer additional vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant that may have health benefits.
- The use of herbs and spices can enhance the flavor without the need for excessive salt.
- Depending on your dietary preferences, you can make this dish healthier by using lean meats, reducing the amount of added fat, or using whole grain rice for added fiber.
- Be mindful of portion sizes, as the calorie count can vary based on how much you eat.
Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. If you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions, it’s a good idea to calculate the exact nutritional content using a recipe calculator or consult with a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
