Veg Lebanese Mihshi Malfuf (Stuffed Cabbage Leaves)
Malfuf, the delicious Lebanese stuffed cabbage rolls, are a true Middle Eastern delight. These rolls are traditionally filled with a blend of rice, spices, and fresh herbs. Whether prepared with vegetarian or non-vegetarian fillings, they promise a burst of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. This recipe highlights the vegetarian version, where cabbage leaves are rolled with a fragrant stuffing and simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, creating a comforting and flavorful dish. Enjoy this delightful appetizer that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose) | 1 large head |
| Basmati rice | 1 cup, washed |
| White garbanzo (chickpeas) | 1/2 cup, soaked |
| Tomato | 1 large, chopped |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, peeled |
| Lemons | 4, freshly squeezed |
| All spice powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Parsley leaves | 3 tablespoons, chopped |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Garlic | 1 clove, minced |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Homemade tomato puree | 1 cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Parsley leaves | Few leaves, for garnishing |
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 45 minutes
Serving Size:
- Serves 4-6 people
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cabbage:
Begin by cleaning the cabbage and parboiling the head in a large pot of water, just enough to soften the cabbage and make it easier to peel apart the leaves. Once softened, remove the cabbage from the pot and place the leaves in a colander. Cut out the thick stem from the bottom of each cabbage leaf to make rolling easier. -
Prepare the Stuffing:
In a mixing bowl, combine the Basmati rice, soaked white garbanzo, chopped tomato, chopped onion, peeled garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, all-spice powder, chopped parsley, black pepper powder, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined. -
Stuff the Cabbage Leaves:
Lay each cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board. Trim the stem if it’s too thick. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the rice stuffing at the base of each leaf. Carefully roll the cabbage leaf over the stuffing, folding in the sides as you go, to form a tight, neat roll. Continue with the remaining cabbage leaves and stuffing. -
Layer the Rolls in the Cooking Pot:
Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls tightly in a large cooking pot. Place the garlic cloves between the rolls for added flavor. Pour the homemade tomato puree and water over the rolls, ensuring they are covered. Add salt, black pepper powder, and olive oil to the sauce. If the sauce does not fully cover the rolls, add more water until they are submerged. -
Simmer the Cabbage Rolls:
Place a heavy plate on top of the rolls to keep them compact. Cover the pot with a lid and heat on high for 5-10 minutes until the sauce begins to boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40 minutes, allowing the rolls to cook and the flavors to meld together. -
Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Serve the Veg Lebanese Mihshi Malfuf hot, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top for added tanginess. These stuffed cabbage rolls pair wonderfully with Mujaddara (lentil and rice pilaf) for a fulfilling meal.
Tips:
- For extra richness, you can drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on top of the cabbage rolls before serving.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep, as the flavors only improve when left to rest overnight in the fridge.
- You can freeze these rolls after cooking, allowing you to enjoy them later for a convenient and tasty meal.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve these Veg Lebanese Mihshi Malfuf as an appetizer or a side dish to complement a Middle Eastern meal. Pair it with fresh pita bread, hummus, and a tangy cucumber yogurt salad for a complete Lebanese feast.
Enjoy the fresh, healthy flavors of this Lebanese classic! The stuffed cabbage rolls are bursting with the aromatic essence of the spices and herbs, creating a beautiful blend of textures and flavors. This recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds, but a dish that brings together family and friends, making it perfect for any special occasion or weekend gathering.
