Best Almost Cabbage Rolls Recipes

Cabbage rolls are a classic dish that are usually made with a filling of ground meat, rice, and seasonings wrapped in cabbage leaves. But not everyone enjoys the taste, texture, or aroma of cabbage. Fortunately, there are alternatives that can provide similar flavors and nutrients.

What are Almost Cabbage Rolls?

Almost cabbage rolls are recipes that mimic or substitute cabbage with other ingredients while retaining the essence of the traditional dish. These recipes can be made with different vegetables or even fruits that have a similar shape, texture, or color to cabbage leaves, such as:

1. Collard Greens

Collard greens are a leafy green vegetable that can be boiled or steamed until tender and pliable. Since they are larger and tougher than cabbage leaves, they require longer cooking times and may need to be blanched or softened before rolling. Collard greens have a slightly bitter and earthy taste, which can complement the savory and spicy filling of the rolls.

2. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is another leafy green that can be used as a wrapper for almost cabbage rolls. It has a milder and sweeter flavor than collard greens and a delicate texture that can easily tear or wilt. To prevent the chard from drying out, it is recommended to steam it briefly or to blanch it in boiling water and then shock it in ice water.

3. Kale

Kale is a superfood that is rich in vitamins and fiber, but it can be tough and bitter when raw. However, when it is steamed or baked, it becomes softer and more mild, making it an excellent contender for almost cabbage rolls. Kale leaves are smaller and thinner than cabbage leaves, so they may be better suited for mini or bite-sized rolls.

4. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many recipes, including almost cabbage rolls. In this case, the cauliflower florets are boiled or roasted until tender and then mashed or blended into a rice-like consistency. This cauliflower rice can be mixed with ground meat, spices, and herbs to create a filling that resembles the traditional one. The rolls can be either baked or fried.

5. Zucchini

Zucchini is a summer squash that has a soft and tender flesh that can be sliced or grated into thin strips that resemble cabbage leaves. The zucchini strips can be steamed, boiled or baked for a few minutes to soften them, and then rolled around a filling of ground chicken or turkey, quinoa, and vegetables. The zucchini rolls can be dipped in tomato sauce or served with a yogurt or tahini dip.

Conclusion

Almost cabbage rolls are a creative and healthy way to enjoy the flavors and textures of traditional cabbage rolls without relying exclusively on cabbage. By experimenting with different vegetables and fruits, home cooks can discover new and delicious combinations that suit their taste preferences and dietary needs.

Valuable Tips When Making Almost Cabbage Rolls Recipes

Cabbage rolls are a staple in many households. However, some people might find making cabbage rolls quite challenging, either because they don't like the taste of cabbage or find it too challenging to roll, especially when preparing it for a large group of people. The good news is, you can substitute the cabbage with other vegetables, meat, or rice, and create an "almost" cabbage roll. These substitutes, paired with a few tips, can make the process of making cabbage rolls easier and more enjoyable for many people. Let's discover some tips that can help make the process of preparing "almost" cabbage rolls comfortable, fuss-free, and delicious.

Tip #1: Choose Your Vegetables

If you're looking to substitute the cabbage in your cabbage rolls recipe, several options could work just as well. For instance, you can use vegetables like collard greens, kale, chard, or even lettuce. While these vegetables offer a slightly different taste and texture than classic cabbage rolls, they will still elevate your dish.

Cabbage Roll Recipe using Collard Greens

Ingredients

• 12 large collard green leaves
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/4 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F
2. Cook your collard green leaves in boiling water for about 10 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
4. Add 1/4 cup of tomato sauce to the meat mixture, then mix again.
5. Coat the bottom of a baking dish with the remaining tomato sauce
6. Place about two tablespoons of meat mixture on each collard green leaf, roll up tightly, and place in the prepared baking dish.
7. Pour the beef broth over the top of the collard green rolls.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes or until the rolls are cooked through.

Tip #2: Use Pre-Cooked Rice

Cooking rice can be time-consuming, but it's a significant component in almost all cabbage roll recipes. Using pre-cooked rice can save you lots of time without compromising the quality of your dish. Additionally, cooked rice can absorb the flavors of the dish and keep it moist, thereby ensuring the dish is tasty and fluffy.

Tip #3: Use Pre-Cooked or Leftover Meat

When making cabbage rolls, it's easy to get over-excited and cook too much meat. However, you can use the surplus meat in another recipe or use it to make "almost" cabbage rolls. Pre-cook your meat or use leftover meat from a previous meal to make the process of making almost cabbage roll smoother and quicker.

Tip #4: Partner With a Great Sauce

An excellent sauce can bring life to an otherwise bland meal. When making almost cabbage rolls, use a flavorful sauce to add a depth of flavors to the rolls. Whether you prefer a tomato-based sauce or a creamy mushroom sauce, make sure it's well-seasoned and balanced. Also, if you're preparing your sauce from scratch, don't forget to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Tip #5: Opt for a Slow Cooker

Cabbage rolls require a long cooking time, but a slow cooker can make the process entirely hands-off. Additionally, slow cookers enhance the flavors of the ingredients, making the rolls more flavorful and aromatic. You can pre-prepare your rolls and refrigerate them overnight, and then dump them in your slow cooker in the morning for an easy and delicious dinner.

Tip #6: Add a Little Cheesy Goodness

Cheese is an excellent addition to almost cabbage rolls as it adds creaminess, richness, and a salty flavor to the rolls. You can add the cheese stuffing to the meat mixture or wrap the cheese in the rolls. Cheese like feta or goat cheese works best as they crumble easily and are flavorsome.

Tip #7: Choose the Right Rice Grain

When making almost cabbage rolls, it's essential to choose the right rice to help ensure the rolls are firm and taste fantastic. Long-grain rice is perfect for cabbage rolls as it's firm and doesn't turn mushy quickly. Additionally, long-grain rice can absorb the flavors of the meat or vegetables, making the rolls flavorful and rich.

Conclusion

Almost cabbage rolls are a great alternative to traditional cabbage rolls. You can substitute the cabbage with kale, chard, lettuce, or collard greens, and use pre-cooked rice, pre-cooked or leftover meat, and an excellent sauce. By following these tips, you'll be able to make a delicious and easy meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. Now that you have these valuable tips, make some almost cabbage rolls today and enjoy them with your family and friends. Bon Appetit!