Cabbage Meatballs Recipe

Cabbage meatballs present a delightful twist on traditional meatballs. This dish offers a comforting blend of flavors from seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tomato sauce. It's a hearty meal perfect for any occasion, blending textures of tender meat and crunchy fresh cabbage with creamy sauce. The addition of rice provides a satisfying, filling component. This dish is not only nutritious but also quite versatile, welcoming various adaptations to suit different dietary needs. The preparation is straightforward, though it requires a bit of time, ensuring the end result is wonderfully worth it. Embrace the rich aroma as the meatballs simmer gently in a flavorful broth. Serve it as a main course and enjoy the savory harmony of ingredients. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete, enjoyable meal!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 500 g ground meat
• 500 g fresh cabbage
• 1 carrot
• 1 onion
• 100 g rice
• 200 ml heavy cream
• 400 ml canned tomatoes in their juice
• Broth

Spices

• Salt
• Pepper

Others

• Oil

Preparation Time

Total time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Cook Rice: Begin by boiling the rice in salted water until fully cooked. Drain and allow it to cool slightly.
2. Prepare Onion: Finely chop the onion. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onion until golden and fragrant.
3. Mix Meat Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion with ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped cabbage, and grated carrot.
4. Season Mixture: Season the mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution by mixing thoroughly with your hands or a sturdy spoon.
5. Prepare Tomato Sauce: In a separate bowl, blend the heavy cream with the canned tomatoes and their juice until smooth and well combined.
6. Form Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into small, uniform balls, ensuring they're tightly packed to hold their shape during cooking.
7. Cooking Setup: Place the formed meatballs into a large, deep pot.
8. Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, bring the creamy tomato mixture and broth to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
9. Pour Sauce: Once boiled, pour this mixture over the meatballs in the pot. Ensure all meatballs are covered with the sauce.
10. Season Sauce: Taste the sauce, adding more salt and pepper if necessary to suit your preference.
11. Cooking Meatballs: Cover the pot with a lid and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes. Check periodically to ensure even cooking throughout.
12. Stir Occasionally: Occasionally stir the pot gently to prevent sticking, being careful not to break the meatballs.
13. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth or water during cooking.
14. Final Flavors: Taste for seasoning once more, adding extra salt or pepper if needed towards the end of cooking.
15. Serving: Once cooked, serve the meatballs hot, accompanied by the sauce they were simmered in.
16. Garnish: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness and flavor.
17. Enjoy: Plate the meatballs over rice, pasta, or alongside fresh bread for a satisfying meal.
18. Lemon Zest: Add a touch of lemon zest if desired for an extra zing before serving.
19. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
20. Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to thin out the sauce if needed.

Tips

• For extra flavor, try adding a garlic clove to the onion while sautéing.
• Substitute ground meat with turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Use canned whole tomatoes crushed by hand for a chunkier sauce texture.

Nutritions

• Calories: 400 per serving
• Protein: 25g
• Fats: 20g
• Carbs: 30g

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute meat with a blend of mushrooms and lentils.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure broth and canned tomatoes are gluten-free certified.
• Spicy: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fresh crusty bread or garlic bread.
• Pair with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette.
• Accompany with a glass of red wine for an elegant dinner.

Best Places

1. Meatball & Wine Bar - Traditional meatball dishes with excellent wine pairings. Location: 135 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Australia.
2. Rao's - Iconic Italian restaurant offering a homely meatball recipe. Location: 455 East 114th Street, New York, USA.
3. Trattoria Da Ettore - Family-run establishment famous for Italian comfort foods. Location: Vicoletto Sociale, 19, Naples, Italy.
4. Café de Chef - Renowned for its elegant take on classic European dishes. Location: Rue de la Bourse 23, Brussels, Belgium.
5. Bord 13 - Offers a modern and cozy eating experience with innovative Scandinavian dishes. Location: Engelbrektsgatan 26, Malmö, Sweden.
6. Meatball Heaven - Specializes in diverse meatball variations with a local twist. Location: Sajgó utca 55, Budapest, Hungary.
7. The Meatball Shop - Known for creating innovative meatball concoctions. Location: 84 Stanton Street, New York, USA.
8. Osteria del Moro - Rustic and cozy with authentic Italian flavors. Location: Via della Volpe 3, Siena, Italy.
9. Sodini’s Bertolucci Ristorante - Classic Italian dishes are lovingly crafted. Location: 421 Cypress Avenue, San Bruno, USA.
10. Mamma Roma - Offers authentic Italian meals in a charming setting. Location: 4/5 Antigua Street, Edinburgh, Scotland.