Malfouf Mahshi (damascus-style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Malfouf Mahshi, or Damascus-style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, is a traditional Syrian dish that is both hearty and flavorful. The combination of tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of rice, ground meat, and aromatic spices makes this dish a favorite in Syrian cuisine.

Malfouf Mahshi (damascus-style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 cup of long-grain rice
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1/4 cup of tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of allspice
  • 1 teaspoon of 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 mixing bowl, combine the rice, ground meat, onion, tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  3. Place a spoonful of the meat and rice mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll them up, tucking in the sides as you go.
  4. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls in a large pot, seam side down. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the rolls, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
  5. Serve the Malfouf Mahshi hot, with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad.

Cooking & Preparation

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

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Carbohydrates
25g
Protein
15g
Fat
12g

Supplies

Large pot Mixing bowl Sharp knife Cutting board Large pot for cooking

Tools

Tongs Wooden spoon Chef's knife

Serving suggestions

Malfouf Mahshi pairs well with a side of tabbouleh and a dollop of creamy hummus.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils and add extra vegetables to the filling mixture.

Cost

$15