Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
(Traditional Turkish Cabbage Dolma)
These stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting and traditional Turkish dish made with tender cabbage leaves filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices.
Slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce, this recipe creates soft, juicy rolls that are perfect for family dinners and special homemade meals.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
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400 g ground beef
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3/4 cup rice
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3 tomatoes
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1 large onion
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon cumin
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1–2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste
For the Cabbage:
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Cabbage leaves
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Hot water for boiling
👩🍳 How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
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Boil the cabbage leaves in hot water for about 3 minutes until softened.
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In a bowl, combine ground beef, rice, grated tomatoes, chopped onion, tomato paste, olive oil, and spices.
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Place some filling onto each cabbage leaf and roll tightly.
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Arrange the rolls in a pot.
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Mix tomato paste, olive oil, and water, then pour over the rolls.
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Cook until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
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Serve warm.
🔥 Tips for Best Results
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Don’t overfill the cabbage leaves
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Roll tightly to keep them from opening
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Cook on low heat for softer texture
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Use fresh cabbage for easier rolling
Variations
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Add fresh herbs to the filling
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Use lamb instead of beef
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Make it vegetarian without meat
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Serve with yogurt on the side
Storage
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Traditional and comforting
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Rich and flavorful filling
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Perfect for family meals
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Made with simple ingredients
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Soft and tender texture