Introduction:
Cabbage and ground meat is a hearty dish that includes sauerkraut and other myriads. In this dish, well-informed seasoned ground meat fills the parchment soft cabbage for a delightful kiribath. It would not take you long to fix this and you can always play around with various flavors and veggies. This dish is guaranteed to fill you up, which makes it wonderful for any night of the week, and is excellent with rice, potatoes or crusty bread.
Ingredients:
1 medium cabbage chopped
1 pound (500g) of beef or pork ground meat (or any combination of the two)
1 onion cut into small pieces
2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 can of diced tomatoes (optional)
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of cumin powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for decoration (parsley or dill)
Chili flakes to give some additional heat (optional)
Instructions:
Grab the cabbage: Take out the central stalk of the cabbage and cut the rest into small squares. Reserve for later.
Preheat Heat oil for the meat: Heat up the olive oil in a large size skillet over medium heat. Pour the minced meat and fry it, while separating it constantly with a wooden spatula until it is completely brown which would take about 5-7 minutes. Discard any excess oil.
Add onion and garlic: In the same pan as the meat, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is opaque and soft.
Seasoning itself: Stir well with paprika, cummin, salt and pepper. If you’d like some heat, throw in some chili flakes.
Add the chopped cabbage and combine with the meat mixture in the skillet. Continue cooking for around ten to twenty five minutes or until the cabbage gets soft and the amount reduces.
Optional tomatoes: Suppose tomatoes are diced, unlike the earlier step where they should have been added and braised for another ten minutes like in the earlier step to allow further assimilating of added tastes.
Serve: After the tenderness of the cabbage has reached its full potential, adjust the flavor one last time and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and present the dish.
Hints for Success:
To flavor that deeply, do not wait to sauté the mince first for lightly browned meat, before introducing the onions or garlic.
If the cabbage is difficult, please place a cover on the pan while the work is done so that the cabbage will soften more quickly.
Putting in a little amount of broth or water further aids in softening the cabbage while also preventing dryness of the present dish.
Health Benefits:
Rich in Fiber: Cabbage contains some fiber which is a good source of dietary material, thereby improving digestion & intestinal health.
Lean Protein: Some finely ground meat is a healthy protein source, when lean beef or turkey are both used.
Low in Carbs: This dish is naturally lower in carbohydrates therefore it is suitable for low carb as well as keto diets.
Vitamins: Cabbage contains the vitamins C and K in abundance ideal for boosting immunity and enhancing bone health.
Nutritional Information (Per serving):
Calories: 250 – 300
Protein: 20 – 25g
Fat: 15 – 18g
Carbohydrates: 10 – 12g
Fiber: 4-5 g
Sodium: 400-600mg (depending on seasonings and tomatoes)
Vitamin C: 50% Daily Value
Variations and substitutions:
Vegetarian version: Replace the minced meat with plant-based crumbles, lentils or mushrooms for a protein-filled vegetarian alternative.
Different meats: Use ground turkey or chicken or even ground lamb for different tastes.
Spice it up: Cumin, cayenne and jalapenos can be used where spicy food is preferred.
Add more veggies: Including carrots, bell peppers or zucchini can also add nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Who, When, How and Why
Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, this dish can be warmed up so it is good if you want to prepare it overnight or even a few days in advance. In the fridge, leftovers will stay fresh for about 3 days if stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze Cabbage and Minced Meat? Of course! Once cooled down, freeze in airtight containers suitable for the freezer for about 2 months. Make sure to heat thoroughly before serving.
Are can tomatoes necessary or can I substitute them for fresh tomatoes? Yes, you can always get rid of canned tomatoes and replace them with fresh ones. You just chop and put chopped fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced ones.
What is the ideal accompaniments for this dish? It is best served with rice, mashed potatoes and coarse bread.
Conclusion:
Cabbage Rolled with Meat Filling is economical as well as a healthy and filling food. Given the uncomplicated nature of the ingredients along with the ease in executing the preparation, it is a good plate to settle for on hectic days. It does not matter whether you adhere to the basic version of the dish or taste one of the numerous modifications: this dish is bound to find its way to the heart of the family!