How to make Balandeliai. Localtaste.lt

ground meat

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner while ground pork is often less expensive.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: creme fraiche

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

tomato sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade tomato puree

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Homemade puree is fresher while canned tomatoes are budget-friendly.

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Quinoa is a protein-rich alternative while bulgur is often cheaper.

Remove the core from the cabbage and blanch the leaves in boiling water until pliable, about 2-3 minutes.

In a skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

In a bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, grated carrot, dill, salt, and pepper.

Place a spoonful of the filling on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly, tucking in the sides.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Spread a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.

Pour vegetable broth over the rolls and add bay leaves and paprika.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the rolls are heated through.

Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: