Cabbage Rolls with Avgolemono Sauce
Tender cabbage leaves wrap a warm filling of rice and ground beef, bathed in smooth egg-lemon (avgolemono) sauce. In the heart of this timeless dish, the savory meat melds with citrus brightness and velvety creaminess—comfort steeped in tradition.
Ingredients:
- 1 cabbage
- 500g ground beef
- 100g rice
- 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 2-3 lemons
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions for the Cabbage:
- Using a knife, cut the cabbage core in a triangular shape, removing it to create a hollow that allows the leaves to soften.
- Place the cabbage in a pot with the hollow side facing down, add enough water to cover the cabbage, and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, cook for 5 minutes, turn off the heat, cover, and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- Transfer the cabbage to a tray to cool, then carefully peel off each leaf.
- Cut off the thick center part of each leaf and split each in half. Repeat with all the leaves.
Instructions for the Meat Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, parsley, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Knead everything together and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Place a tablespoon of meat filling on each cabbage leaf and roll it up.
- In a pot, heat a little olive oil, and if desired, line the bottom with a few extra cabbage leaves. Arrange the cabbage rolls in layers in the pot, making 2-3 layers if necessary.
- Once all rolls are in, place a deep plate on top to weigh them down, add water to cover, season with salt, and simmer on low heat for 45-50 minutes.
For the Avgolemono (Egg-Lemon Sauce):
- Whisk the egg whites until they turn white and frothy. Then add the yolks and beat them in.
- Gradually add the lemon juice, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in a bit of broth from the pot with the cabbage rolls, stirring to temper the mixture.
- Pour the egg-lemon mixture over the cabbage rolls in the pot, then gently swirl the pot in a circular motion to evenly distribute the sauce.
Enjoy these warm cabbage rolls with a creamy avgolemono finish!
Why It’s Irresistible
Each bite balances soft cabbage, juicy beef, rice, and the tang of lemon—creating a harmony that’s both soothing and flavor-filled.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, freshly spooned with extra avgolemono and a dusting of fresh parsley. Best enjoyed with crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
Learn More About Meat’s Importance!
Curious about the role of meat in a balanced diet? Click here to discover on DeliciousPath why meat is essential for your health and how it contributes to a nutritious lifestyle.
