Turkish-style cabbage rolls, known as “Lahana Sarma,” are a delicious and comforting dish made by wrapping tender cabbage leaves around a flavorful filling of ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices. Slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce, these rolls offer a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A traditional Turkish dish full of bold and aromatic flavors
- Perfect for meal prep as they store and reheat well
- A satisfying combination of tender cabbage, juicy meat, and fragrant spices
- Can be made with different fillings, including vegetarian options
- A comforting and hearty meal for any occasion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 large cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 cup rice, rinsed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp dried mint (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully remove the outer cabbage leaves and blanch them in boiling water for 1–2 minutes until softened.
- Drain and set aside.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, rice, chopped onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and dried mint.
- Mix well until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place a small amount of filling in the center.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom to the top.
- Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Cook the Rolls:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls tightly in the pot, seam side down.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water or broth, and lemon juice.
- Pour the sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 40–50 minutes until the rice and meat are fully cooked.
- Serve:
- Let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with yogurt or fresh bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with lentils or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili for a kick of heat.
- Herb-Infused: Use fresh parsley and dill in the filling for extra freshness.
- Grain Alternative: Substitute rice with bulgur or quinoa for a different texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked cabbage rolls in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a covered pan over low heat with a bit of broth or tomato sauce until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, they can be assembled and stored in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
What is the best way to soften cabbage leaves?
Blanching them in boiling water for 1–2 minutes makes them flexible for rolling.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use lamb, beef, chicken, or even a mix of meats.
What can I serve with Turkish cabbage rolls?
They pair well with yogurt, fresh bread, or a side of salad.
Can I make this dish without tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use a broth-based sauce for a lighter version.
How do I prevent the rolls from falling apart?
Roll them tightly and place them seam-side down in the pot.
Can I use purple cabbage instead of green?
Yes, but it has a slightly tougher texture and may take longer to cook.
What spices work best in the filling?
Paprika, cumin, black pepper, and dried mint enhance the flavor.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Yes, ensure all ingredients used are gluten-free, and avoid bulgur as a rice substitute.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the filling?
No, the rice will cook while the rolls simmer in the sauce.
Conclusion
Turkish-style cabbage rolls are a delicious and comforting dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. With a rich tomato sauce, tender cabbage leaves, and a perfectly seasoned filling, these rolls are a must-try for any food lover. Whether enjoyed fresh or reheated the next day, they make a satisfying and wholesome meal. Try this recipe for a taste of Turkey at home!
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Authentic Turkish Cabbage Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 20 rolls 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Experience the rich and comforting flavors of Turkish-style cabbage rolls (Lahana Sarma)! These tender cabbage leaves are filled with a savory blend of ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices, then simmered in a tangy tomato sauce for a melt-in-your-mouth taste. A must-try dish for lovers of authentic Turkish cuisine!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 medium head of cabbage (leaves separated)
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried mint (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups water or broth
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully add the whole cabbage head.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then peel off the softened outer leaves. Repeat until all leaves are separated.
- Cut out the thick stem from each leaf to make rolling easier.
2. Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, spices, and parsley until well combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat, place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center, and roll tightly like a burrito, tucking in the sides. Repeat for all leaves.
4. Cook the Rolls
- Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a pot.
- In a bowl, mix all sauce ingredients and pour over the rolls. Add a small plate on top to keep them from unrolling.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 45-60 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Drizzle with extra lemon juice, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm!
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with lentils or mushrooms.
- Make-Ahead: Rolls can be prepped ahead and stored uncooked in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
