Description
Mediterranean-Style Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls offer all the hearty, comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of stuffing. This skillet dish combines ground lamb or beef with fragrant spices, tender cabbage, chickpeas, and rice simmered together in a tomato-based sauce, finished with a tangy splash of lemon juice, fresh parsley, and creamy feta cheese for a delicious and easy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef (90% lean)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small green cabbage (1.5 lbs), chopped
Legumes and Grains
- 1 (15oz) can chickpeas, drained
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Tomato and Liquids
- 1 (14.5oz) can diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup lemon juice
Spices and Herbs
- 2 tsp dried mint
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped parsley
Optional Toppings
- ½ cup crumbled feta (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a deep skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground lamb or beef for about 5 minutes until it is browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook them together for about 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Add main ingredients: Stir in the chopped cabbage, drained chickpeas, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, long-grain white rice, chicken broth, dried mint, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer until tender: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Finish with freshness: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley for a bright, fresh touch. If desired, sprinkle the top with crumbled feta cheese before serving to add a creamy, salty element.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef for lamb or vice versa depending on preference or availability.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less paprika and cinnamon to suit your taste.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
