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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Lahanodolmades)

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Greek stuffed cabbage rolls (lahanodolmades) are tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, herbs, and aromatics, then simmered and served with a tangy egg-lemon sauce. A hearty yet refreshing comfort dish perfect for family meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 large green cabbage, stem/core removed
  • 900 g (2 lb) lean ground beef
  • 1 cup short-grain rice
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, minced
  • 1 small handful fresh dill (extra)
  • Juice from 2 lemons
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups reserved cooking liquid or chicken broth
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Remove the core of the cabbage and blanch the whole head in boiling water until leaves are tender and pliable. Separate the leaves carefully.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, rice, onion, olive oil, salt, pepper, and dill. Mix well.
  3. Place a cabbage leaf flat, add a spoonful of filling, fold in sides, and roll tightly. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
  4. Arrange rolls seam-side down in a pot, cover with water, lightly salt, and place a plate on top to keep them submerged.
  5. Simmer gently for 45–60 minutes until rice and meat are fully cooked. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of cooking liquid.
  6. Whisk eggs and lemon juice in a bowl. Dissolve cornstarch in cold water. Slowly whisk hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture to temper. Add cornstarch mixture.
  7. Return sauce to a pan and heat gently until slightly thickened.
  8. Serve cabbage rolls warm with the lemon sauce generously poured over.

Notes

  • Blanching makes cabbage leaves easier to roll without tearing.
  • Make vegetarian by substituting mushrooms and lentils for meat.
  • Extra lemon juice or wedges can be served alongside.
  • The dish can be made ahead and reheated with fresh sauce.
  • Freezes well before adding sauce; reheat with freshly made sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/stuffed-cabbage-rolls-lahanodolmades/