Best Persian Stuffed Cabbage Leaves Recipes

DOLMEH KALAM (STUFFED CABBAGE LEAVES WITH SWEET-SOUR SAUCE)

Steps:

• Separate the leaves carefully from the head of the cabbage.
• blanch in boiling water for about 5 minutes until limp.
• Do not overcook.
• Drain in a colander.
• Cut out the thick secion[ribs], only removing the lower portion.
• Combine the mince with onion, rice, herbs and turmeric.
• Add 1 1/2 tsp salt and pepper to taste.
• Divide mixture into 18 portions.
• spread a cabbage leaf flat on the work surface and place one filling portion on the base of the leaf.
• Roll once, fold in the sides and roll up into a firm package.
• Repeat with remaining ingredients.
• Line a heavy pan with cabbage trimmings or a well washed outer leaf.
• Pack rolls in close together in layers.
• Add 1 cup cold water and invert a heavy plate over the rolls.
• cover, bring to a simmer and cook gently for 45 minutes.
• Blend sugar and vinegar and add to pan.
• tilt pan to blend liquids.
• Cover and cook for a further 30 minutes.
• Serve with chelou or flat bread.

MIDDLE EASTERN STYLE STUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a casserole dish with cooking spray.
• Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Cut a circle around the stem of the cabbage and remove the core. Carefully place head of cabbage into the boiling water. After about 1-2 minutes, the top leaf will come off easily when tugged with tongs. Remove from the water and transfer to a large clean work surface. Wait another minute and remove the next outer leaf. Continue until you have 10 cabbage leaves removed. Turn off the heat, and discard the rest of the cabbage or reserve for another use. Pat the leaves dry with paper towels. Cut out the thick part of the rib (creating a "V") from the bottom of each leaf, but don't cut more than a third of the way into the leaf.
• In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, melted butter, cooked rice, cumin, allspice, salt and pepper. I use my hands to get it fully combined. With the stem side of the cabbage leaf facing you, divide the meat mixture evenly over the center of each leaf. Fold the bottom edges over the mixture and then fold the sides over and roll tight. Place the cabbage rolls, seam side down, in the prepared baking dish.
• Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Serve immediately with roasted vegetables, Pita bread and tabbouleh for a full Middle Eastern feast.

PERSIAN SWEET-AND-SOUR STUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS

Steps:

• To detach the cabbage leaves, cut a deep cone into the core at the stem end with a pointed knife and plunge the whole cabbage into boiling salted water. This will soften and loosen 1 or 2 layers of leaves. Detach these, and plunge again into boiling water to detach more leaves, and continue until all of the leaves are separated. Cut very large leaves in half, but leave small ones whole.
• Prepare the filling. Wash the rice and cook in boiling water until it is almost tender-about 10 minutes-then drain. Boil the split peas separately until tender. Fry the onion in 3 tablespoons oil until soft and transparent. Add the meat and turmeric and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the meat changes color, then remove from the heat and add the rice and split peas, tomato paste, parsley, and more salt and pepper. Mix well.
• Lay the cabbage leaves on a plate one at a time. Shave off the thickest part of the hard rib if necessary. Put a heaping tablespoon of the mixture at the bottom of each leaf, bring the sides up over it, and roll up into a bundle. Put a little oil at the bottom of a heavy pan, cover with a few broken leaves to protect the others from burning, then arrange over them rows and layers of stuffed cabbage rolls.
• Mix the vinegar with an equal quantity of water, stir in the sugar, and pour over the rolls. Put a plate over them, cover the pan, and cook gently on a very low flame for 3/4-1 hour, until rolls are very tender and the liquid has been absorbed, adding water if necessary.
• Serve hot or cold.