Tasty Fusion Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

In this fusion adaptation, the traditional Romanian stuffed cabbage rolls are infused with Asian flavors. The addition of ingredients like ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil gives the dish a unique twist, creating a fusion of Romanian and Asian cuisines. This blend of flavors adds a new dimension to the traditional dish, making it a delightful and exciting culinary experience. We alse have the original recipe for Taci şi înghite, so you can check it out.

• 1 large head of cabbage 1 large head of cabbage
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination) 500g (1.1 lb) ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
• 1 cup (200g) cooked rice 1 cup (200g) cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) beef or vegetable broth
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves are tender and pliable. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Gently separate the cabbage leaves, being careful not to tear them. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
5. 5.
   In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls on top of the tomatoes, seam side down. Pour the remaining crushed tomatoes and beef or vegetable broth over the rolls.
6. 6.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the cabbage rolls are cooked through and tender.
7. 7.
   Serve the Tasty Fusion Stuffed Cabbage Rolls hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cabbage — To make it easier to separate the cabbage leaves, you can freeze the whole head of cabbage overnight and then thaw it before boiling. This helps to soften the leaves and make them more pliable.
• Ginger — Use a spoon to peel the ginger before grating it. This will remove the tough outer skin and make it easier to grate.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture.
• For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
• If you have any leftover cabbage leaves, you can chop them and add them to the tomato sauce for extra flavor and texture.
• These stuffed cabbage rolls taste even better the next day, as the flavors have a chance to meld together. Consider making them in advance and reheating them for a quick and delicious meal.
• Serve the rolls with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Serving advice

Tasty Fusion Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are best served hot, straight from the oven. They can be enjoyed as a main course, accompanied by a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Add a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley. The vibrant green cabbage leaves and the rich red sauce create an appealing contrast of colors. Serve the dish family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves to the rolls. The aroma of the dish will entice your guests, making it an inviting centerpiece for any meal.