Craving a taste of the Mediterranean without having to leave your kitchen? These Greek Style Cabbage Rolls are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to a cozy taverna in Greece. This recipe takes the classic cabbage roll concept and gives it a Greek twist with a savory filling of ground lamb, fragrant herbs, and nutty rice, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. Serve these delicious rolls with a dollop of tangy tzatziki sauce for a truly authentic experience that will have your taste buds singing “Opa!”
**Ingredients:**
– 1 head of cabbage
– 1 pound ground lamb
– 1/2 cup uncooked rice
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Tzatziki sauce, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. Start by carefully removing the core from the head of cabbage and placing the whole head in a large pot of boiling water. Let the cabbage cook for a few minutes until the outer leaves are softened. Remove the leaves one by one as they become pliable, and set them aside to cool.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the lamb and rice mixture at the base of the leaf. Roll the leaf, tucking in the sides as you go, to form a neat little package. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
4. In a large pot, layer the stuffed cabbage rolls, seam side down. Pour the diced tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth over the rolls. Cover the pot and let the rolls simmer over low heat for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is tender.
5. Once cooked, carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the pot and place them on a serving dish. Spoon some of the flavorful tomato sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
6. Serve the Greek Style Cabbage Rolls warm, with a side of creamy tzatziki sauce for dipping. Enjoy the hearty and comforting flavors of Greece right in the comfort of your own home!
Creating these Greek Style Cabbage Rolls is a labor of love that will pay off tenfold in flavor. The tender cabbage, fragrant lamb, and aromatic herbs come together to create a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply want to treat yourself to a taste of the Mediterranean, these cabbage rolls are sure to please. So, roll up your sleeves and get cooking – a delicious Greek-inspired meal awaits!
