Delicious cabbage dolma cooked on the stove

ground meat

🥗Healthier: lean turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Lean turkey reduces fat content while ground chicken is often less expensive.

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Quinoa is a protein-rich alternative, while bulgur is more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits, and vegetable oil is budget-friendly.

tomato paste

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes provide a lighter option, while canned are often cheaper.

Prepare cabbage by removing the core and blanching the leaves in boiling water until pliable, about 3-5 minutes.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.

In a bowl, combine ground meat, rice, sautéed onions, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper; mix well.

Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the filling at the base; fold in the sides and roll tightly to seal.

Repeat with remaining leaves and filling, placing the rolls seam-side down in a pot.

Add tomato paste mixed with water over the rolls, ensuring they are partially submerged.

Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes until the meat is cooked through and rice is tender.

Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and additional herbs if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: