If you're craving something heartwarming and full of flavor, these Savory Spiced Cabbage Rolls are just what you need. They're a perfect blend of spices and comfort, making them an excellent choice for a cozy dinner at home.
Cabbage: The star of the dish, offering a nutritious wrapping that's both tender and flavorful once cooked. Ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base for the filling. Rice: Adds texture and helps bind the filling, making it more satisfying. Onion and garlic: Essential aromatics that create a fragrant base. Cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and complexity, setting these cabbage rolls apart from the classic version. Diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth: They form a rich sauce that infuses the rolls with moisture and flavor during baking. Olive oil: Used for sautéing, adding a subtle richness. Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
These cabbage rolls pair beautifully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, serve with a crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This gives it time to get nice and hot while you prep everything else. Next, grab a large pot and bring some water to a boil. While it's heating up, remove the core from your cabbage and carefully separate the leaves. Once the water's boiling, blanch the leaves for 2 to 3 minutes so they're flexible enough to roll without tearing. Drain them well and set them aside.
Now, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they're translucent and aromatic. This usually takes about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, your sautéed onion and garlic, and the spices: cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Don't forget the salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it's all evenly distributed.
Time to roll! Lay a cabbage leaf flat on your work surface. Scoop 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the base of the leaf. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to keep everything secure. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
Place the rolls snugly in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Pour this mixture over your cabbage rolls, ensuring they're well-covered. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60 minutes. After an hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let the tops brown slightly. Serve them warm and enjoy!
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