Greek Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce: Lahanodolmades

Ingredients

• 1 large cabbage, stem removed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, grated
• 28 ounces canned tomatoes, pureed
• 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, grated
• 1-pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 3-4 cups chicken broth or water

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 °F, 180 °C.

2. 2

   There are several ways to prepare the cabbage....: There are several ways to prepare the cabbage. One very easy trick is to freeze the cabbage then, when it taws out, the leaves are tender enough to roll and you will not have to boil it. Just make sure to remove the stem before freezing it.

3. 3

   Boiling the cabbage is my preferred method. Mostly...: Boiling the cabbage is my preferred method. Mostly because I’m usually in some type of rush and do not have the time to wait for it to thaw out…

4. 4

   Fill a large pot ¾ of the way...: Fill a large pot ¾ of the way with water and bring to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water.

5. 5

   Remove the stem/core of the cabbage and place...: Remove the stem/core of the cabbage and place the cabbage into the boiling water. Cover with the lid.

6. 6

   After about 15 minutes, the leaves should begin...: After about 15 minutes, the leaves should begin to separate from the cabbage. Remove the leaves and set in a colander to drain and cool.

7. 7

   To make the sauce, combine the onion and...: To make the sauce, combine the onion and oil in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until soft and golden. Add the garlic and warm through about 30 seconds. Add the canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Bring to a boil then, reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.

8. 8

   Make the filling: Cook the onion in oil...: Make the filling: Cook the onion in oil over medium heat until soft and golden. About 6 minutes.

9. 9

   Add the grated garlic and warm through about...: Add the grated garlic and warm through about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat. Set aside to cool.

10. 10

    In a large bowl, combine the ground beef,...: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, and all of the remaining filling ingredients along with the onions. Mix until combined.

11. 11

    Make the cabbage rolls: Lay the cabbage leaves...: Make the cabbage rolls: Lay the cabbage leaves flat and cut the hard stem from the bottom. Discard it. Place 2 tablespoons of the filling on the bottom of each leaf. Roll up and fold the sides of each leaf over the filling. Roll up and place seam side down on a plate or cutting board.

12. 12

    Use the leftover cabbage leaves to line the...: Use the leftover cabbage leaves to line the bottom of a baking pan or Dutch oven pot.

13. 13

    Pour half of the tomato sauce over the...: Pour half of the tomato sauce over the cabbage leaves. Nestle the cabbage rolls into the pot and cover with more cabbage leaves.

14. 14

    Pour the remaining sauce on top.

15. 15

    Place 2 inverted plates on top to keep...: Place 2 inverted plates on top to keep the rolls from opening during the cooking process.

16. 16

    Pour 3-4 cups of broth over the rolls...: Pour 3-4 cups of broth over the rolls to cover them by 1 inch.

17. 17

    Bring to a boil.

18. 18

    Place in the oven to bake for 1...: Place in the oven to bake for 1 and ½- 2 hours or until they are fork tender. This takes closer to 2 hours.

19. 19

    Serve with salad and toasted bread. Enjoy!