Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/17 checked
4
servings
1 unit

Cabbage

parboiled, leaves separated

1 cup

Basmati Rice

washed

0.5 cup

White Garbanzo Beans

soaked

1 unit

Tomato

chopped

1 unit

Onion

chopped

4 cloves

Garlic

peeled

4 unit

Lemons

freshly squeezed

1 tsp

All Spice Powder

3 tbsp

Parsley Leaves

chopped

1 tsp

Black Pepper Powder

1 tsp

Salt

to taste

1 unit

Garlic

flakes

1 tsp

Black Pepper Powder

1 cup

Homemade Tomato Puree

1 cup

Water

3 tbsp

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 unit

Parsley Leaves

few

Step 1
~4 min

Clean the cabbage and parboil the head in a large kettle of water until the leaves soften and separate.

Step 2
~4 min

Place the cabbage leaves in a colander as you peel them.

Step 3
~4 min

Remove the large stem from the bottom of each cabbage leaf to make rolling easier.

Key Technique: Rolling
Step 4
~4 min

In a bowl, mix the washed basmati rice, soaked white garbanzo beans, chopped tomato, chopped onion, peeled garlic cloves, lemon juice, all spice powder, chopped parsley, black pepper, and salt.

Step 5
~4 min

Lay each cabbage leaf separately on a cutting board and cut out the stem if it's too thick.

Step 6
~4 min

Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of the rice stuffing along the edge of the leaf.

Key Technique: Stuffing
Step 7
~4 min

Roll the leaf slowly and tightly over the stuffing.

Key Technique: Stuffing
Step 8
~4 min

Line up the stuffed rolls carefully in a wide/deep cooking pot, packing them tightly together.

Step 9
~4 min

Place garlic flakes in between the rolls.

Step 10
~4 min

Pour homemade tomato puree and water over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are covered. Add salt, pepper powder, and olive oil.

Step 11
~4 min

If the sauce doesn't cover the rolls, add more water until it does.

Step 12
~4 min

Carefully shake/tilt the cooking pot to ensure the sauce seeps through everywhere.

Step 13
~4 min

Place a heavy plate inside the pot on top of the rolls.

Step 14
~4 min

Cover the pot and bring to a boil on high heat for 5-10 minutes, then reduce heat to simmer and cook for 40 minutes.

Step 15
~4 min

Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Use a heavy plate to prevent the cabbage rolls from unraveling during cooking.

Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste.

For a richer flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 mins

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

The stuffing can be made a day ahead.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve as an appetizer or a light meal.

Serve with a side of yogurt or tahini sauce.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Mujaddara
Fattoush Salad
Hummus with Pita Bread

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Lebanon

Cultural Significance

A staple dish in Lebanese cuisine, often served during family gatherings and celebrations.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Ramadan
Eid
Christmas

Occasion Tags

Dinner Party
Family Gathering
Holiday Meal
Weekend Cooking

Popularity Score

65/100

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