Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Cavolo Ripieno)
A heartwarming and delicious traditional Italian dish, Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Cavolo Ripieno) are made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful ground beef filling. The savory rolls are simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth and served with a creamy, tangy mayonnaise sauce, making them an ideal comfort food for family gatherings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this delightful meal!
Recipe Details
- Category: Main Dish (Secondi Piatti)
- Servings: 6 people
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooking time)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage (Verza) | 1 whole head |
| Ground Beef (Carne bovina) | 400g |
| Egg (Uova) | 1 |
| Breadcrumbs (Pangrattato) | 2 tablespoons |
| Whole Milk (Latte intero) | 100ml |
| White Wine (Vino bianco) | 100ml |
| Yellow Onion (Cipolla dorata) | 1 whole |
| Vegetable Broth (Brodo vegetale) | 300ml |
| Bay Leaf (Alloro) | 1 |
| Black Peppercorns (Pepe nero in grani) | 4 whole |
| Salt (Sale fino) | 2 teaspoons |
| Mayonnaise (Maionese) | 150ml |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Start by trimming the base of the cabbage slightly to help it stand upright. Carefully separate the leaves of the cabbage without tearing them, creating enough space between the layers to stuff them with the filling. You can also trim the tough stems from the cabbage leaves for easier rolling.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg together with the white wine, salt, and breadcrumbs until combined. Add the milk to the mixture, followed by the ground beef. Mix everything thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined filling. This filling will be used to stuff the cabbage leaves.
Step 3: Stuff the Cabbage Leaves
Take each cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto the center. Carefully roll the leaf around the filling, folding in the edges as you go to form a secure roll. If necessary, tie the rolls with kitchen twine to prevent them from opening during cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage Rolls
In a large pot or pressure cooker, pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf, peppercorns, and onion (cut into wedges). Bring the broth to a simmer. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls into the pot, ensuring they are nestled snugly. If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 30 minutes from when the steam begins to escape. Cooking times may vary depending on the type of pot, so it’s important to check the rolls for doneness.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
To check if the cabbage rolls are cooked through, insert a knife into the center of one of the rolls. The cabbage should be soft inside when done. Once the rolls are tender, remove them from the pot and keep them warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
Bring the cooking liquid in the pot to a boil. Let it reduce by about a quarter, intensifying the flavors. Once reduced, you can serve it as a savory sauce to drizzle over the cabbage rolls.
Step 7: Serve
Cut the cabbage rolls into thick slices and serve them hot. Garnish with a generous dollop of mayonnaise and drizzle with the reduced broth sauce. The contrast of creamy mayonnaise and rich broth will elevate the flavors and add a comforting touch to the dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Tips:
- To make this dish even richer, you can add a pinch of grated Parmesan cheese to the meat filling for extra depth of flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with a yogurt-based dressing or sour cream.
- To save time, you can prepare the stuffed cabbage rolls a day ahead and refrigerate them until ready to cook. Simply reheat them in the broth before serving.
Enjoy these Stuffed Cabbage Rolls as a hearty, satisfying meal that brings the taste of Italy to your table! The combination of savory beef, tender cabbage, and creamy sauce is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
