Stuffed Cabbage + More St. Patrick’s Day Fare

Growing up my mom used to make stuffed cabbage, what felt like, all the time.  I wasnt’ really into it nor did I ever acquire a taste for it. Then I grew up and ate it somewhere (not my moms) and pretty much fell in love with it.

A few weeks ago, I spent a guilt free Sunday morning in bed,  I sat there with remote in hand, watching a bunch of shows that had been recorded, yet never watched.  I had numerous Aarti Party’s, Barefood Contessa, Nigella Feasts, a few Challenges, and a host of others- non-food related.  It was glorious.  I ultimately left the bedroom, with list in hand and started printing out all the recipes that I wanted to tackle.

One in particular was Ina’s Stuffed Cabbage.  What better week to make this than for St. Patrick’s Day?  I made a simple salad and a Bakewell Tart.  I had made a bakewell tart once before (here), and I remember loving everything about it.  The tart I made this week, not so in love with.  I used a homemade blackberry jam that I picked up from one of my favorite breakfast spots, The Curious Palate.  Was kind of bummed I used the jam on this tart.

The cabbage is a great weeknight meal.  Reading the recipe, it felt as thought it would have taken all day long.  Not so.  While the sauce was simmering, I steamed the cabbage leaves and prepped the meat filling.  I swapped out some ingredients to make it my own and made enough to invite my mom for dinner. There were still leftovers.  M brown bagged it and didn’t complain. I ate this dish and felt satisfied without feeling full.

Stuffed Cabbage


Ingredients

for the sauce:
3 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
2 (28 oz) cans crusted tomatoes
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup sucanat or light brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 tsp. fresh ground pepper

for the filling:
2 1/2 lbs. organic, ground beef chuck
3 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup bread crumbs, preferably homemade
1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 green cabbage

Instructions

for the sauce
• heat the coconut oil in a heavy duty saucepan.  add onions and cook over medium heat until translucent.
• add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil.  once boiled, turn the heat down to simmer and cook for 30 minutes, uncovered.  when done, set aside
for the filling:
• heat a large pot of water to boil.
• preheat oven to 350*
• cut out the core from the cabbage. when water boils, place whole cabbage in the pot for a few minutes.  remove the leaves, one by one with tongs.
• rest leaves on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. set aside.
• in  a large bowl, add all the ingredients for the filling (not the cabbage leaves).  add 1 cup of the sauce to the filling mixture.
• with a pairing knife, remove the triangular part of the cabbage leaf, going 1/3 the way up the leave.
• using 1/3 cup of filling, place it on each leaf, closest to the top of the leaf.  fold the top part over the filling, tucking the sides in as you roll.
• put about a cup of sauce on the bottom of a dutch oven.  place cabbage rolls, seem side down, over the sauce. when all is done, cover rolls with the remaining sauce.
• cover the dish and bake for 1 hour.
• serve hot.

The Urban Baker / SusanSalzman.com

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at your home with these great recipes:
Luck of the Irish – L.A. Times Blog
Corned Beef and Cabbage – Simply Recipes
Corned Beef and Cabbage Slaw Sliders – Three Many Cooks
Irish Soda Bread – Radishes and Rhubarb

Showing 11 comments
  • Amanda
    Reply

    AMAZING pictures… you are seriously a food styling guru!! I have been wanting to try this recipe (I mean stuffed cabbage in general) and I think I will now based on your recommendation… seems like you found the perfect one!

    Blessings!
    Amanda

  • Kristen
    Reply

    Like outside in lettuce wraps or something – these are brilliant!

  • Nancy@acommunaltable
    Reply

    I haven’t had stuffed cabbage in ages and I can’t wait to try this one!!! Your bakewell tart looks divine as well – what a perfect meal for St. Patrick’s day!!!

  • Patricia Scarpin
    Reply

    My mom used to make this all the time when I was a kid! Such great memories, Suz – your food always looks delicious!

  • Esi
    Reply

    You’ve just reminded me there is an Asian style stuffed cabbage recipe I want to try. I like your version too!.

  • Kim
    Reply

    I’m a huge huge fan of stuffed cabbage. I will give your recipe a try for sure!

  • Allison [Haute Box]
    Reply

    Ooo! I love the last image. Delectable!

  • Reply

    Susan, you just reminded me how much I love stuffed cabbage. I have not had it in years, but this is the kinda high protein meal I will now be craving for sure! xo

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