Name: Authentic Turkish Cabbage Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 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); ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity); ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 ½ cups water or broth; Juice of ½ lemon

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

Scale

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

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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