Welcome to RecipeArt! Today, we’re embarking on a culinary adventure that takes us straight to the heart of Argentina, where we’ll be exploring the delectable world of Argentine Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe. This dish, known locally as “Matambre a la Pizza,” combines the comforting embrace of cabbage with the bold flavors of Argentina. So, put on your apron and get ready to roll!
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Preparation Time:
Approximately 30 minutes
Cooking Time:
Approximately 55-60 minutes
Recipe Yield:
This Argentine Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe typically yields 6 servings.
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| – Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 27g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| – Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 19g |
**Remember these values may vary depending on your ingredients. You may visit United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the actual nutritional information of your ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Argentine Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe:
To make these mouthwatering Argentine Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cabbage Rolls:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Green cabbage | 1 large |
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Cooked white rice | 1 cup |
| Finely chopped onion | 1 |
| Minced garlic | 2 Cloves |
| Diced red bell pepper | 1/2 cup |
| Diced green bell pepper | 1/2 cup |
| Tomato sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | As per taste |
For the Tomato Sauce:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (14 ounces) |
| Beef broth | 1/2 cup |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | As per taste |
For the Topping:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Sliced black olives (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish | As needed |
Let’s Get Cooking:
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
- Begin by carefully removing the outer leaves of the cabbage, ensuring they remain intact. Blanch these leaves in boiling water for a few minutes until they become pliable. Then, transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Create the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until they become tender and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the flavors meld together for a few minutes. Remove from heat.
- Roll the Cabbage Leaves:
- Take a cabbage leaf and place a portion of the filling at the center. Fold in the sides of the leaf and then roll it up, creating a neat package. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour a thin layer of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in the dish, seam side down. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and sliced black olives (if using) on top of the rolls.
- Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the cabbage rolls are heated through.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Carefully plate each stuffed cabbage roll, spooning some of the flavorful tomato sauce over them.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips and Variations:
- To add a bit of heat to your Argentine Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- While the classic recipe uses ground beef, you can easily swap it for ground pork, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different cheese options like provolone or Parmesan for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts:
There you have it, your very own Argentine Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, a delightful dish that fuses the rich culinary heritage of Argentina with comforting flavors. Whether you’re serving these rolls for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, their savory and satisfying nature will make them an instant favorite.
So, don your apron and indulge in the art of Argentine cuisine. It’s a journey that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also transports you to the vibrant and diverse world of Argentine gastronomy. Enjoy your meal, and until next time, happy cooking!
Printable Recipe:
Argentine Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- Green cabbage 1 large
- Ground beef 1 pound
- Cooked white rice 1 cup
- Finely chopped onion 1
- Minced garlic 2 Cloves
- Diced red bell pepper 1/2 cup
- Diced green bell pepper 1/2 cup
- Tomato sauce 1/2 cup
- Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
- Paprika 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper As per taste
- For the Tomato Sauce:
- Crushed tomatoes 1 can 14 ounces
- Beef broth 1/2 cup
- Dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper As per taste
- For the Topping:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup
- Sliced black olives optional 1/2 cup
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish As needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
- Begin by carefully removing the outer leaves of the cabbage, ensuring they remain intact. Blanch these leaves in boiling water for a few minutes until they become pliable. Then, transfer them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Create the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until they become tender and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the flavors meld together for a few minutes. Remove from heat.
- Roll the Cabbage Leaves:
- Take a cabbage leaf and place a portion of the filling at the center. Fold in the sides of the leaf and then roll it up, creating a neat package. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour a thin layer of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in the dish, seam side down. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and sliced black olives (if using) on top of the rolls.
- Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the cabbage rolls are heated through.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Carefully plate each stuffed cabbage roll, spooning some of the flavorful tomato sauce over them.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
• While the classic recipe uses ground beef, you can easily swap it for ground pork, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cabbage for this recipe?
While green cabbage is traditional for this dish, you can experiment with other cabbage varieties like savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make these rolls vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or a mixture of mushrooms and lentils for a vegetarian or vegan version. Ensure your tomato sauce is vegan-friendly as well.
How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing during blanching?
To minimize tearing, be gentle when removing the leaves from the cabbage head. If you still encounter tears, overlapping the torn edges when rolling can help hold them together.
Can I freeze leftover cabbage rolls?
Yes, you can freeze leftover stuffed cabbage rolls. Make sure they are fully cooled, then wrap them individually or in portions in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave when needed.
What can I serve with Argentine Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?
These rolls are a complete meal on their own, but they pair well with a side salad, crusty bread, or even a scoop of mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
