Malfouf Mahshi (stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Malfouf Mahshi, or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, is a classic dish in Syrian Jewish cuisine. These delicious rolls are filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground beef, and aromatic spices, then simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. They make for a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Kosher Main Course Syrian Jewish Syrian Cuisine Jewish Cuisine Cabbage Rolls Stuffed Cabbage
Malfouf Mahshi (stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves are softened. Remove the cabbage from the water and carefully peel off the softened leaves. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place a spoonful of the beef and rice mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll the leaf around the filling, tucking in the sides as you roll, to create a neat package.
  4. In a large pot, combine the tomato sauce, broth, and lemon juice. Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in the pot. Cover and simmer over low heat for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
  5. Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, spooning some of the tomato sauce over the top.

Cooking & Preparation

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

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Carbohydrates
45g
Protein
18g
Fat
10g

Supplies

Large pot Knife Large bowl Large pot for cooking

Tools

Spoon Tongs Cooking twine (optional)

Serving suggestions

Serve the Malfouf Mahshi with a side of creamy hummus, fresh tabbouleh, and warm pita bread.

Tips & tricks

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

Cost

$15