Traditional Salvadoran Cabbage Rolls (Rollos de Repollo Tradicionales Salvadoreños)

Rollos de Repollo Tradicionales Salvadoreños, or Traditional Salvadoran Cabbage Rolls, are a classic dish in Salvadoran cuisine. These savory cabbage rolls are filled with a delicious mixture of meat, rice, and vegetables, then simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. They are a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Main Course Salvadoran Salvadoran Cuisine Cabbage Rolls Traditional Recipe
Traditional Salvadoran Cabbage Rolls (Rollos de Repollo Tradicionales Salvadoreños)

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cabbage
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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 soft and pliable. Remove and set aside to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go. Secure the rolls with toothpicks if needed.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cabbage rolls and cook until browned on all sides.
  5. Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 45-50 minutes, until the cabbage rolls are tender and the filling is cooked through.
  6. Serve the cabbage rolls hot, spooning the tomato sauce 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
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large pot Large bowl Large pot or Dutch oven

Tools

Knife Cutting board Spoon Toothpicks

Serving suggestions

Serve the Rollos de Repollo Tradicionales Salvadoreños with a side of Salvadoran curtido (cabbage slaw) and a dollop of crema (Salvadoran sour cream) for a complete and authentic meal.

Tips & tricks

To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Cost

$15