Heart-Healthy Sarmale in Cabbage Leaves
Delight in the comforting flavors of Eastern Europe with this Heart-Healthy Sarmale in Cabbage Leaves recipe, a wholesome twist on a traditional favorite. Packed with lean ground turkey, nutritious brown rice, and vibrant vegetables like onions and carrots, this lighter version of stuffed cabbage is brimming with rich, homestyle flavor while being kind to your heart. The tender cabbage leaves lovingly wrap around a savory filling, simmered to perfection in a tangy tomato sauce enhanced with earthy paprika and thyme. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is low in fat, full of fiber, and a satisfying way to embrace healthy eating without compromising on taste. Serve warm and enjoy a hearty, wholesome meal that nourishes both body and soul!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head large cabbage
- 1 cup brown rice
- 500 grams lean ground turkey
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 1 medium, grated carrot
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 0.5 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 400 grams canned tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and remove any damaged outer leaves.
Submerge the cabbage head in boiling water for 5-7 minutes. Carefully remove the leaves as they soften and set aside. Repeat until you have about 12 large leaves.
Cook the brown rice according to package instructions and set aside to cool.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, onions, and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the grated carrot to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooled rice, onion and carrot mixture, fresh parsley, paprika, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until ingredients are fully incorporated.
Place a small amount of the meat mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons) onto the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up from the thick end of the leaf to enclose the filling completely.
In a large pot, pour half of the tomato sauce into the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down on top of the sauce.
Mix the remaining tomato sauce with 1 cup of water and pour over the cabbage rolls in the pot.
Cover the pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 60 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.
Let the sarmale cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your heart-healthy meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1523 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.4 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.9 g | 60% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 357 mg | 119% | |
| Sodium | 3026 mg | 132% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 160.7 g | 58% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 36.4 g | 130% | |
| Total Sugars | 56.9 g | ||
| Protein | 122.6 g | 245% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 700 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 17.3 mg | 96% | |
| Potassium | 4651 mg | 99% | |
*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.
