Stuffed cabbage rolls with poultry meat
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Poultry – A Delicious and Healthy Recipe
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a beloved traditional dish, but today we aim to reinvent them in a more diet-friendly version using poultry. These chicken stuffed cabbage rolls are not only tasty but also easier to digest, making them perfect for family meals or special occasions. Get ready to discover a refined taste combined with the enticing aromas of fresh vegetables!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6 servings
Necessary ingredients:
- 400 g minced chicken
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 4 medium onions, finely chopped
- 125 g round-grain rice
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 sweet cabbage (approximately 1.5 kg)
- A few leaves of Chinese cabbage (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pack of instant soup (chicken or vegetable)
- 4 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 liter of hot water
Preparation of the stuffed cabbage rolls:
1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by finely chopping the onion. This will add both flavor and moisture to your filling. Grate the carrot and prepare the rice by washing it well under cold water until the water runs clear. This will help remove excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky during cooking.
2. Sautéing the vegetables
In a deep skillet, add a little oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Then, add the grated carrot and continue to sauté together for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to cool slightly once done.
3. Mixing the filling
In a large bowl, combine the minced chicken with the onion and carrot mixture, rice, parsley, instant soup, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring each component is well incorporated. This is the moment to add your personal touch: you can add some extra spices, such as sweet paprika or thyme, for an added flavor.
4. Preparing the cabbage
Blanching the cabbage is an essential step to achieve flexible and easy-to-roll leaves. Boil water in a large pot and add the whole cabbage for a few minutes until the leaves become soft. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool. If using Chinese cabbage, repeat the same process.
5. Forming the stuffed cabbage rolls
Carefully remove the cabbage leaves and cut them to the desired size. On each leaf, place a tablespoon of the meat filling and roll tightly, ensuring that the filling does not escape during cooking. You can also use your creativity to make smaller or larger rolls according to your preferences.
6. Arranging the stuffed cabbage rolls
In a deep pot, place a few chicken bones on the bottom to add extra flavor. Then, arrange the cabbage rolls side by side, ensuring they do not unravel during cooking.
7. Cooking the stuffed cabbage rolls
In a separate container, mix the remaining hot water with 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and pour it over the cabbage rolls. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the stuffed cabbage rolls simmer for about an hour, checking occasionally to ensure they have enough liquid.
8. Serving
Once the stuffed cabbage rolls are ready, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can opt for a dressing of sour cream or Greek yogurt alongside a few fresh dill leaves for added flavor. The stuffed cabbage rolls can be served warm, but they are just as delicious cold, making them an excellent choice for a picnic meal.
Nutritional benefits
These stuffed cabbage rolls with poultry are an excellent source of lean protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the vegetables and rice used. Cabbage is rich in fiber and antioxidants, making them a healthy option for a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey for a similar dish but with a slightly different flavor profile.
2. What can I use instead of instant soup?
If you prefer, you can use homemade broth or omit the soup and adjust the salt to taste.
3. Can I make the rolls with vegetables?
Of course! You can use a mix of chopped vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini, to create a delicious vegetarian version.
Possible variations
You can experiment with different types of rice, adding brown rice or long-grain rice for a different texture. You can also try adding spices like cumin or coriander for a more exotic flavor.
Serving and pairing
These stuffed cabbage rolls pair wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a cold mint tea. If you want to turn them into a heartier main dish, serve them alongside mashed potatoes or polenta.
Now that you've gone through all the steps, all that's left is to start cooking! Enjoy your poultry stuffed cabbage rolls, a simple and healthy recipe that will delight any meal!
Ingredients: 400 g ground chicken, one carrot, four onions, 125 g round grain rice, green parsley, one sweet cabbage, a few leaves of Chinese cabbage (this in place of beet leaves), salt, pepper, instant soup, 4 tablespoons of tomato paste + 1 liter of hot water.
