The BEST Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Meat & Rice | All u need to know to cook it like a Pro

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground chicken is often less expensive.

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts provide healthy fats, while sunflower seeds are more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil offers similar health benefits, while canola is budget-friendly.

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Quinoa is a protein-rich alternative, while bulgur is cost-effective.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the cabbages.

Remove the core from the cabbages and peel off the leaves.

Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water until softened.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.

Stir in rice, tomato paste, black pepper, Lebanese 7 spices (or allspice), cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; cook for a few minutes.

Remove from heat and mix in chopped parsley and optional diced tomatoes.

Lay a cabbage leaf flat, place a spoonful of filling at the base, and roll tightly, tucking in the sides.

Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

Layer the outside leaves of the cabbages in a pot, followed by slices of tomatoes and garlic cloves for each layer.

Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot, layering with additional tomatoes and garlic as desired.

Pour the broth (water, lemon juice, and salt mixture) over the rolls until just covered.

Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 hour and 30 minutes, checking for doneness and adjusting broth as needed.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: