Mahshi Malfouf (iraqi Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Mahshi Malfouf is a traditional Iraqi dish of stuffed cabbage rolls, filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground meat, and spices. This dish is a labor of love, but the delicious results are well worth the effort.

Mahshi Malfouf (iraqi Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 cup of long-grain rice
  • 500g of ground beef or lamb
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. 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, until they are pliable. Remove and set aside to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the rice, ground meat, onion, tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place a spoonful of the filling mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go.
  4. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls in a large pot, seam side down. Pour the broth over the rolls and bring to a simmer.
  5. Cover and cook for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.
  6. Serve the Mahshi Malfouf hot, with a side of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Cooking & Preparation

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

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
12g

Supplies

Large pot Knife Cutting board Bowl Wooden spoon

Tools

Pot Serving platter

Serving suggestions

Serving suggestions: Mahshi Malfouf pairs well with a fresh salad and warm pita bread.

Tips & tricks

Tips: Be gentle when rolling the cabbage leaves to avoid tearing them. Adjust the seasoning of the filling to your taste preferences.

Cost

$15