I can't take the credit for this recipe, as my Ukrainian Godmother was the one who taught it to me originally (Thanks Nush!). However, I made some changes to increase the veggie goodness and amped up the flavour with my hubby's homemade marinara sauce. This new version did not disappoint!
What you need to make this dish:
1 large green cabbage
1 cup white or brown rice, cooked according to package instructions
1 bunch, fresh dill
1 lb of lean or extra lean, grass-fed ground beef
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt & pepper to taste
Store bought or homemade marinara (homemade is ALWAYS better for you and tastier. Get our recipe here.)
What you need to do to make this dish:
Make your marinara ahead of time if you are going that route. Get our recipe here.
Remove outer leaves of your cabbage and place in a large pot. Fill the pot with water and put on high heat to bring to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce to a low boil. The cabbage will cook slowly and the leaves will fall loose so you can peel each one away for the rolls.
Put your rice on to cook, according to the package instructions.
Dice your vegetables and fresh dill and mince your garlic. Add all veg except dill and garlic to a large frying pan. Saute until translucent.
Add minced garlic and ground beef to your frying pan and cook until beef is fully browned.
When your beef and veg is done cooking, at it to a large bowl with your fresh dill, as well as your cooked rice. Mix everything well, add salt and pepper to taste.
Now you've got everything to start making rolls! Just peel the leaves from the boiling cabbage on the stove and add about two golf ball sized scoops of filling to the centre of your leaf. Tuck your tops and sides as you make the roll so the filling doesn't spill out.
Coat bottom of a casserole or glass baking dish with marinara. Then lay your rolls in the dish and coat until fully bathed in marinara. The more the better to be honest!
Bake on 350F for 30 mins and enjoy! I love mine on a bed of fresh spinach or arugula for added plant power.
I love to see you enjoying my food! If you make this recipe, please take a photo and tag @yourbestlifewithlisa
In good health,
Lisa xx