Ingredients:
For the stuffed cabbage rolls:
- 8 large cabbage leaves
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or a mixture of ground beef and ground pork
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated cauliflower (optional, for added texture)
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the tomato sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar-free tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water or broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the cabbage leaves and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they are softened.
- Remove the leaves from the water and place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This will make them easier to handle.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated cauliflower (if using), grated mozzarella cheese (if using), egg, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Lay a blanched cabbage leaf on a clean surface. Place a portion of the meat mixture onto the center of the leaf.
- Roll up the cabbage leaf, folding in the sides as you go, to form a neat roll. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the sugar-free tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, water or broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Stuffed Cabbage:
- Pour a thin layer of the tomato sauce onto the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down into the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the stuffed cabbage rolls from the baking dish and place them on serving plates.
- Spoon some of the tomato sauce over the rolls before serving.
Enjoy your Keto Stuffed Cabbage! This dish provides all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the carb-heavy rice filling. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to your liking.