German Cabbage Rolls Kohlrouladen
Delight in the hearty, comforting flavors of German Cabbage Rolls, or Kohlrouladen, a traditional dish that brings old-world charm to your dinner table. Tender green cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory filling made from a perfect blend of ground beef, ground pork, and fragrant spices like nutmeg, all bound together with rice, sautéed onions, and breadcrumbs. These golden-seared rolls are then slow-simmered in a rich, tangy tomato-beef broth, allowing the flavors to meld to perfection. Ideal for cozy family meals, this dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or rustic crusty bread. With its blend of easy-to-follow steps and classic ingredients, Kohlrouladen is your go-to recipe for an authentic German culinary experience that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage
- 500 grams ground beef
- 250 grams ground pork
- 100 grams white rice
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 large egg
- 50 grams breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 500 milliliters beef broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove 8-10 large outer leaves from the head of cabbage. Blanch the leaves in the boiling water for 3-4 minutes until soft and pliable. Remove and set aside on a clean towel to cool.
Cook the rice according to package instructions, then set aside to cool.
Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, sautéed onions and garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.
Place a blanched cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture to the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly into a neat parcel. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down into the pan and sear until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary and transfer the rolls to a plate once done.
In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter and the tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, then add the beef broth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Return the seared cabbage rolls to the pan, arranging them seam-side down in the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 45-50 minutes, occasionally spooning some sauce over the rolls.
Serve the cabbage rolls hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. Pair with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to enjoy the rich flavors of this comforting dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2910 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 204.3 g | 262% | |
| Saturated Fat | 73.1 g | 366% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 842 mg | 281% | |
| Sodium | 5866 mg | 255% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 103.2 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.9 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.7 g | ||
| Protein | 177.4 g | 355% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.5 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 407 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 17.5 mg | 97% | |
| Potassium | 2446 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
