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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Delicious Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Zesty Egg-Lemon Sauce

These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting Greek classic that combine ground meat, rice, and a tangy sauce for a cozy meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 rolls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 750 grams Ground Beef and Pork Blend Feel free to use all beef or turkey for a lighter twist.
  • 100 grams Round Grain White Rice Substitute with any short-grain rice for best results.
  • 150 grams Red Onion Minced; yellow onion works as a great substitute.
  • 70 grams Leek Minced; replace with a small amount of regular onion if needed.
  • 70 grams Spring Onions Minced; use the white parts for filling and save the greens for garnish.
  • 2 tablespoons Dill Minced; feel free to substitute with mint for a unique twist.
  • 2 tablespoons Parsley Minced; contributes aromatic freshness.
  • 1 medium Carrot Cut into sticks for added flavor and visual appeal.
  • 2 Bay Leaves Essential for that comforting taste.
  • 1 small branch Celery Can be omitted but contributes to depth.
For the Cabbage
  • 1 head Large White Cabbage About 3 kg / 6.6 pounds; green cabbage can be used as an alternative.
For the Egg-Lemon Sauce
  • 2 medium Eggs At room temperature; chicken eggs are preferred.
  • 80 ml Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest Juice and zest of ½ lemon; any citrus juice is a suitable substitute.
  • 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour To thicken the sauce; cornstarch is a great gluten-free alternative.
  • Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper To taste; essential for seasoning.
  • 1 liter Hot Water or Stock Used for cooking; low-sodium broth is a healthy option.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • baking sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from a large white cabbage, then immerse the whole cabbage in the boiling water for 10 minutes. Afterward, flip it over and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Once cooked, cool the cabbage under cold running water.
  2. Make Filling: In a skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced red onion, leek, and white parts of spring onions until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Add round grain white rice, stirring for 2 minutes to toast, then pour in water and let simmer until absorbed. Combine rice mixture with ground beef and pork, minced dill, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  3. Assemble Cabbage Rolls: Once the cabbage is cool enough to handle, carefully peel off leaves, trimming any thick stems for easier rolling. Place about 80 grams of the meat filling at the base of each leaf, folding the sides over tightly and rolling up like a burrito. Arrange stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large pot.
  4. Cook Rolls: Layer any vegetable scraps, like carrot sticks or celery, at the bottom of the pot, then drizzle with olive oil. Place cabbage rolls on top, adding enough hot water or stock to just cover them. Weigh the rolls down with a plate to keep them submerged and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 1 hour, or until cabbage is tender.
  5. Make Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together room temperature eggs, fresh lemon juice, and zest until frothy. Gradually incorporate 1 cup of drained cooking liquid from pot, mixing thoroughly. In another skillet, create a roux with flour and olive oil, cooking for about 2–3 minutes until slightly golden. Combine both mixtures back in the skillet and return to low heat until thickened.
  6. Final Steps: Gently pour creamy egg-lemon sauce over cooked stuffed cabbage rolls. Using a gentle shaking motion, mix sauce with rolls for even coating. Serve warm, garnished with extra lemon wedges and freshly cracked pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Allow stuffed cabbage rolls to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let flavors meld. When reheating, do so on low heat to keep rolls intact and maintain texture.

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