Entree: Finland – Lapland – Kaalikääryleet (Cabbage leaves filled with seasoned ground meat and rice, slowly baked in a savory tomato-broth sauce)

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 40 min

Cook 2 hrs

Total 2 hrs 20 min

Ingredients

- 1 medium head green cabbage, about 2.5 lb (1.1 kg)
- 1 lb (454 g) ground pork
- 8 oz (225 g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup (100 g) uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped, about 5 oz (140 g)
- 1 large egg, approx. 1.8 oz (50 g)
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) ground allspice
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter or margarine for sautéing
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) beef or vegetable stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice or 1 tsp (5 g) sugar (to balance acidity, optional)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter, cut into small pieces to dot on top before baking
- Lingonberry jam for serving (optional)
- Boiled potatoes for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Cook rice in 1 cup (240 ml) water until just tender but not fully soft, about 10–12 minutes; drain and let cool slightly.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and blanch the whole head for 5–8 minutes until outer leaves are pliable. Remove cabbage and peel off 12–14 large leaves; return remaining head to the water to soften further if needed.
4. Trim the thick stalk from the base of each cabbage leaf to make folding easier.
5. In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp (30 ml) butter and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
6. In a large bowl combine ground pork, ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onion, egg, salt, pepper, and allspice. Mix until evenly combined.
7. Place about 2–3 tbsp (30–45 g) of filling near the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly to form neat parcels.
8. Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes in the bottom of a deep baking dish (about 9x13 inch / 23x33 cm). Arrange rolls seam-side down in the dish in a single layer.
9. Mix remaining crushed tomatoes with beef or vegetable stock, bay leaves, and lemon juice or sugar if using. Pour the sauce over the rolls until nearly covered.
10. Dot the tops with small pieces of butter. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until cabbage is very tender and flavors meld.
11. Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve hot with boiled potatoes and a spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side for a traditional Finnish touch.