Stuffed Cabbage Leaves (Lahana Dolması)
Lahana Dolması, or Stuffed Cabbage Leaves, is a traditional dish in Gagauz cuisine. It consists of tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground meat, and spices, then simmered to perfection. This dish is a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 cup of rice
- 500g ground meat (beef or lamb)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, grated
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
- 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.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rice, ground meat, onion, grated tomatoes, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat and rice mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly.
- Place the stuffed cabbage leaves in a large pot, seam side down. Pour the broth over the cabbage rolls. Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
- Once cooked, remove the stuffed cabbage leaves from the pot and serve hot. Enjoy!
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
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
Supplies
Large pot Mixing bowl Sharp knife Cutting board Large pot for cooking
Tools
Spoon Tongs Chef's knife Grater
Serving suggestions
Serve the Lahana Dolması with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. It pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.
Tips & tricks
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils and mushrooms for a delicious alternative.
Cost
$15