This cabbage roll recipe is a down home favorite with an exotic background. Cabbage rolls, also known as stuffed cabbage, is a traditional Eastern European and Western Asian meal. It traditionally has meat, rice, and eggs as the filling. This recipe leaves the eggs out.
In Scandinavia, a cabbage roll is served with tart Lingonberry jam. However, most of us are more familiar with the Eastern European tomato-based sauce that this recipe calls for.
Ingredients:
1 lb. hamburger
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1 onion
3/4 cup cooked rice
12 large cabbage leaves
2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 lb. ground pork (optional)
Directions:
1. Combine meats, salt, pepper, rice, onion, and 1 can tomato sauce.
2. Cover cabbage leaves in boiling water for 4 minutes. Drain.
3. Place portions of meat mixture in center of each cabbage leaf; roll up.
4. Place seam side down in skillet. Mix remaining tomato sauce with brown sugar and lemon juice. Pour over rolls. Simmer, covered, for about 1 hour.
Health Benefits of Cabbage
Many Americans are paying close attention to what they eat these days, and for good reason. A lot of Americans are nutrient-deficient, so it's important to make sure you get the nutrition you need each day. Let's talk about the health benefits of cabbage.
Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins K and C. Vitamin K is essential to healthy blood clotting. Vitamin C is famous for its role in supporting the immune system, but it plays key roles in other ways, too. Vitamin C helps keep your skin healthy, and helps your body absorb plant-derived iron. Plus, vitamin C is an antioxidant. Studies have suggested that antioxidants can lower your risk for certain cancers.
Cabbage is also high in fiber. A diet that's high in fiber will support a healthy digestive system. The good bacteria in your gut feed on fiber; in addition to helping the digestive system work as it should, these bacteria protect the immune system and produce a couple of essential nutrients.
Finally, cabbage can actually help keep your heart healthy. Some studies have suggested that the compounds that make cabbage purple can help lower your risk for heart disease. In addition, cabbage has compounds that have been linked to lower cholesterol levels.
As you can see, cabbage has numerous health benefits. Serving this delicious cabbage roll recipe will help you ensure that your family is getting many of the nutrients that they need each day. Of course, this cabbage roll recipe should be served as part of a nutritious diet. If you enjoyed this recipe, check out some of the other fantastic recipes that we have available on our site!
The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/gkrphoto.