Lazy Cabbage Rolls (Pratik Lahana Sarması)

Ingredients

• 1 White cabbage (large head suitable for rolling)
• 250 g Ground beef
• 2 tea glass Rice (slightly parboiled in water)
• 2 Onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp Tomato paste (for the filling)
• 1 tsp Pepper paste (Turkish red pepper paste (biber salçası))
• 0.25 bunch Parsley (finely chopped)
• 0.5 tea glass Olive oil (for the filling)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Red pepper flakes (pul biber, to taste)
• Dried mint (to taste)
• Ground red pepper (to taste)
• 1.5 tbsp Tomato paste (for the sauce)
• 1.5 cup Water (for the sauce)
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil (for the sauce)
• Salt (a pinch for the sauce)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully blanch the whole cabbage leaves until they are softened and pliable, then drain and set aside.

2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, parboiled rice, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, pepper paste, chopped parsley, olive oil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried mint, and ground red pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

3. 3

   Use a small bowl as a mold. Place a piece of blanched cabbage leaf into the bowl, allowing the edges to hang over the sides.

4. 4

   Place approximately two tablespoons of the meat and rice filling into the center of the cabbage leaf in the bowl.

5. 5

   Fold the overhanging edges of the cabbage leaf over the filling to seal it, then invert the bowl to release the stuffed cabbage bundle into a baking dish or pot. Repeat until all ingredients are used.

6. 6

   Prepare the sauce by whisking together 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste, 1.5 cups water, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

7. 7

   Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls in the baking dish.

8. 8

   Wet a piece of parchment paper and wring it out, then tightly cover the edges of the dish with it.

9. 9

   Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Place the dish in the oven and bake until the cabbage is tender.

10. 10

    About 5 minutes before the cooking time is finished, remove the parchment paper and continue baking to allow the tops to lightly brown.

Notes

The rice should be only slightly parboiled so it finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy. Using a bowl as a mold ensures uniform size and saves the time of rolling each one by hand.

Nutrition per serving

• main course
• cabbage rolls
• Turkish
• oven-baked
• beef
• dinner
• healthy