Patouda with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb 500g (1.1 lb) ground lamb
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 large cabbage 1 large cabbage
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (200g) rice 1 cup (200g) rice
• 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the cabbage leaves, ensuring they remain intact. Blanch the cabbage leaves in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the ground lamb, ground beef, cooked onion and garlic mixture, rice, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. 5.
   Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
6. 6.
   In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in the dish, seam side down. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls.
7. 7.
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the meat is cooked through.
8. 8.
   While the cabbage rolls are baking, prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil the diced potatoes until tender, then drain and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork until smooth. Stir in the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Serve the Patouda with a Twist over a bed of creamy lemon-infused mashed potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cabbage — Be careful when removing the cabbage leaves to keep them intact for wrapping. If the leaves are too thick, you can blanch them for a few extra minutes to soften them.
• Ground lamb and beef — Use a combination of both meats for a more flavorful and juicy filling.
• Lemon-infused mashed potatoes — To infuse the mashed potatoes with lemon flavor, add the lemon juice while mashing the potatoes. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• Serve the Patouda with a side of Greek salad for a complete and refreshing meal.
• Leftover Patouda can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a mixture of cooked lentils and mushrooms.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Patouda with a Twist hot, straight from the oven, alongside a generous portion of creamy lemon-infused mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls on a platter, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve the creamy lemon-infused mashed potatoes in a separate bowl, allowing guests to help themselves. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas will make this dish a centerpiece on any dining table.