Albanian Style Stuffed Cabbage (Lakra të Mbushur)

Lakra të Mbushur, also known as Albanian Style Stuffed Cabbage, is a traditional dish from Albania that is packed with flavor and hearty ingredients. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

Albanian Style Stuffed Cabbage (Lakra të Mbushur)

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups beef or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll it up, tucking in the sides to form a neat roll.
  5. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls in a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour the tomato sauce and broth over the rolls.
  6. Cover the pot and cook on the stovetop over medium heat for 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
  7. Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, with a spoonful of the cooking liquid spooned over the top.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Carbohydrates
25g
Protein
20g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large pot Mixing bowl Large pot or Dutch oven

Tools

Knife Cutting board Spoon

Serving suggestions

Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a side of crusty bread and a simple salad for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils and mushrooms.

Cost

$15