Origin and Region: Baked cabbage with meatballs is a hearty and comforting dish that is popular in various regions around the world, including Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. It’s a dish that has its roots in traditional Eastern European cuisine, where cabbage is a staple ingredient and meatballs are a common addition to many dishes.
Introduction: Baked cabbage with meatballs is a satisfying one-dish meal that combines tender cabbage leaves with flavorful meatballs, all baked together in a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef or pork (or a combination)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Grated cheese
- Chopped fresh herbs
Tips:
- Choose a cabbage that is firm and heavy for its size, with tightly packed leaves.
- To soften the cabbage leaves for easier rolling, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before assembling the dish.
- Customize the meatball mixture with your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork.
- Make sure the meatballs are evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
- Core the cabbage and carefully remove the outer leaves. Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for a few minutes until slightly softened. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat mixture at the base. Roll the cabbage leaf tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and meat mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, broth, and paprika. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve the baked cabbage rolls with meatballs hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Serve with optional toppings like sour cream or grated cheese.
Description: Baked cabbage with meatballs is a comforting and satisfying dish that features tender cabbage leaves wrapped around flavorful meatballs, all baked in a rich and savory tomato sauce. The cabbage becomes beautifully tender during baking, while the meatballs soak up the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, based on typical ingredients and serving size)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 20g
Conclusion: Baked cabbage with meatballs is a versatile and comforting dish that is sure to please both family and guests. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a perfect option for a cozy homemade meal.
Recommendation: Serve this dish with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It also makes great leftovers and can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner throughout the week.