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Stuffed Cabbage

My grandmother used to spend all day making her Old World cabbage rolls stuffed with ground beef, onions, rice, and raisins. We all loved them, but I don’t have the time or the patience to do it her way. Feel free to substitute chopped mushrooms in place of the ground meat for a vegetarian version. Hope you enjoy my take on this heirloom recipe!

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 2

Ingredients

Olive oil spray
1/4 cup hulled or pearl barley
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 to 8 intact green cabbage leaves
One 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon light brown sugar, optional
1 large egg
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 carrot, grated or minced
1/2 to 3/4 pound ground turkey or beef
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup raisins, optional

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 450°F.

    Step 2

    Spray the inside and lid of a cast-iron Dutch oven with olive oil.

    Step 3

    Using a strainer, rinse the barley under cold water. Pour the barley into the pot along with 1/2 cup water. Lightly season with salt and pepper.

    Step 4

    Arrange a layer of cabbage leaves on top of the barley.

    Step 5

    Drain the tomatoes into a small bowl. Stir the lemon juice into the tomato liquid, add the sugar if desired, and lightly season with salt and pepper.

    Step 6

    Gently beat the egg in a medium mixing bowl. Add the onion, carrot, turkey, parsley, and garlic; mix well. Fold in the tomatoes and lightly season with salt and pepper.

    Step 7

    Drop in half of the ground meat mixture by forkfuls, making an even layer. Pour in half of the tomato juice mixture evenly. Sprinkle with the raisins, if using.

    Step 8

    Add a layer of cabbage leaves and the rest of the meat mixture. Cover with any leftover cabbage leaves and pour the rest of the tomato juice mixture over all.

    Step 9

    Cover and bake for 45 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven. Serve immediately.

  2. nutrition information

    Step 10

    Calories: 350

    Step 11

    Protein: 20g

    Step 12

    Carbohydrates: 55g

    Step 13

    Fat: 8g

    Step 14

    Cholesterol: 144mg

    Step 15

    Sodium: 525mg

    Step 16

    Fiber: 7g

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