A quick, healthy, and modern take on classic Balkan stuffed cabbage. This one-pan meal combines lean minced meat, nutrient-rich cabbage, and whole-grain brown rice for a satisfying and balanced dinner.
*Image is for illustration purposes and may differ from the actual recipe (AI generated).
Ingredients
- 500g lean minced beef or turkey
- 1 small head of cabbage (approx. 700g), finely shredded
- 150g brown rice
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
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Instructions
- 1.Cook the brown rice according to package instructions. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 2.While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- 3.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the lean minced meat to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned all over, about 5-8 minutes.
- 4.Drain any excess fat from the meat. Stir in the sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 5.Add the shredded cabbage to the pot. Stir well to combine, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
- 6.Stir in the cooked brown rice and the fresh parsley. Squeeze the lemon juice over the top and mix everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 7.Serve warm, garnished with a little extra fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Why this recipe
This recipe is packed with lean protein for muscle support and fiber from cabbage and brown rice to aid digestion. It's a well-balanced meal, rich in vitamins C and K from the cabbage, providing sustained energy without being heavy.
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