Ingredients

2 medium cabbage
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions , chopped
1 lb ground beef or 1 lb ground lamb
1 garlic clove
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/3 cup uncooked rice
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce ( preferably homemade )
1/2 cup beef stock
1/4 cup pine nuts , toasted
1 tablespoon butter , cut into pieces
lemon slice
3 eggs
2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups hot chicken broth
Lahanodolmades are traditional Greek Stuffed Cabbage rolls that are eaten as a main course or appetizer. This dish is often found at family gatherings and special occasions, with each household having their unique variation of the recipe. The dish consists of ground beef or lamb mixed with rice, herbs and spices, surrounded by boiled cabbage leaves. The cabbage leaves are then rolled up to create bite-sized pockets that are steamed or baked with chicken broth, lemon juice, and butter. The result is a warm dish that is hearty and satisfying.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cabbage to water, and cook for 10-12 minutes or until leaves are tender. Remove cabbage carefully and let cool.
3.In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add onions and cook until translucent.
4.Add ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned.
5.Add minced garlic, cinnamon, salt, and pepper and cook for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
6.In a separate saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil, add rice, and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
7.Combine the beef mixture with cooked rice, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef stock, and pine nuts.
8.Cut off the cabbage butts and separate cabbage leaves, then place them in a large bowl of ice water. This will help to maintain their shape.
9.Pat dry the cabbage leaves and place them flat on the work surface. Add a spoonful of the beef mixture onto the bottom of each cabbage leaf and roll up the leaf, tucking in the sides to create a neat roll.
10.Place the cabbage rolls in a baking dish, and pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and butter. Add lemon slices. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes or until the cabbage rolls are cooked through and the broth is absorbed.

PROS

Lahanodolmades are healthy and a great way to incorporate greens into your diet.
They are high in fiber, nutrients, and protein.

This dish can be made in bulk and easily frozen for later consumption.

CONS

This dish can take up a bit of time and requires several steps.

The pine nuts in this recipe can be expensive and difficult to find in some locations.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Greek Stuffed Cabbage is a low calorie and low-fat dish that is packed with nutrients. Maintaining a healthy weight, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of developing heart disease are just a few of the potential health benefits of this dish.
The cabbage is full of vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber, while the beef or lamb provides protein, zinc, iron and vitamin B12.

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