No matter where your ancestry lies, chances are you have your own version of stuffed cabbage. Our family heritage, from English, to Italian, Lebanese and Irish – has provided for quite a few variations on this delicious winter meal. And I have to say, I love just about every version of it I’ve ever tasted.
I was so curious to try Moroccan style stuffed cabbage when I saw the recipe in Sharing Morocco: Exotic Flavors from My Kitchen to Yours. This variation uses a special blend of spices to flavor the beef and it has a unique hint of sweetness. There is no rice, as traditionally this dish is served over rice. The cookbook didn’t specify an oven temperature so I baked at 350 degrees.
Moroccan Stuffed Cabbage
- 1 large head Savoy cabbage
- 2 lbs ground beef (30% fat)
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ bunch cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp allspice
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 20 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup saffron or white rice
- Freeze the cabbage overnight to soften the leaves. Thaw before beginning to cook (optional)
- Place cabbage into a large pot filled half way with water.
- Cook cabbage until fork tender.
- Remove the cabbage, cool and separate leaves.
- In a bowl mix the meat, raisins, cilantro and spices.
- Lay the cabbage leaves flat. Place 3 tbsp meat mixture in the center, then fold in sides and roll to close.
- Place each roll into an oiled baking dish, seam side down. Cover with tomato sauce and bake for 45-60 minutes at 350 degrees. (until fork tender)
- Cook the rice and serve cabbage overtop.
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Kay Adeola says
I love cabbage so this I will be giving a try and I just got some in the shopping.Thanks for the idea.
mykidsguide says
I love beef and cabbage, it’s just so tasty; this is the perfect little thing to make when having a couple of people coming over!
touristmeetstraveler says
I really like this recipe, it’s not only very simple and fast to make; but insanely delicious. It’s perfect for parties!
Aisha Kristine Chong says
this reminds me of what my boyfriend made me way back when he tried to cook for me – very similar – sure looks like this is yummy too.
Amber NElson says
I am not a big cabbage fan, but this doesn’t look bad.
Stefany says
My husband loves cabbage. He would really like it if I made this for him. Maybe for Valentine’s Day!
Angela says
This looks fabulous! I love the seasonings and have been on such a cabbage kick lately.
Lesley says
This looks really good, almost like stuffed grape leaves. I’m always looking for something I can make son who isn’t allowed most grains.
Jo-Lynne Shane says
Would you believe, I have never made or eaten stuffed cabbage!?? That actually looks good. I might have to try this.
Jeanine says
Yum. That looks really tasty! I haven’t ever done this before but I’m pretty sure it would be a hit at my house. It looks so good even I may like it and that says a lot, I’m so picky!