Stuffed Cabbage (Malfouf)

Stuffed Cabbage (Malfouf) is a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful mixture of minced meat, rice, and aromatic spices. Cooked in a tangy tomato sauce, this hearty dish brings together well-balanced flavors. While rolling the cabbage leaves with the filling takes some time, the combination of textures and tastes is gratifying. This dish exemplifies the culinary heritage of the region, making it suitable for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 head cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup rice
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head and place the whole head in the boiling water. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the outer leaves are tender. Remove the cabbage and let it cool before separating the leaves.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, cumin, allspice, cinnamon, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
3. Carefully peel off the cabbage leaves one by one, being careful not to tear them. Trim the thick center stem from each leaf to make rolling easier.
4. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly to enclose the filling.
5. In a large pot, pour half of the tomato sauce and olive oil. Arrange the stuffed cabbage leaves in layers, seam side down, in the pot.
6. Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the stuffed cabbage. Cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 45-50 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
7. Serve the stuffed cabbage hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Keywords: Dinner, Comfort Food

Spice Rack: Cumin, Allspice, Cinnamon

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