Cabbage Rolls Filled with Ground Beef

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

12 large cabbage leaves (from a head of cabbage)
500 g ground beef (halal)
1 cup cooked rice
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup crushed tomato or tomato puree
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil

For the Sauce:

1 cup tomato puree
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Carefully remove the cabbage leaves, one by one, and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
Once they are tender, remove the leaves and set them aside to cool.

Cook the Filling:

In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
Stir in the cooked rice, crushed tomato, chopped parsley, ground cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix well and let the filling cool slightly.

Stuff the Cabbage Leaves:

Take a cabbage leaf and place a generous spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
Carefully fold in the sides and roll the cabbage tightly around the filling. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a small saucepan, combine the tomato puree, beef broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assemble and Cook the Cabbage Rolls:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer in the dish.
Pour the remaining sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well covered.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld.

Serve:

Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Serve the cabbage rolls warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious cabbage rolls filled with ground beef! They can be served as a hearty main dish alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for future meals.