Kaalikääryleet

(Cabbage Rolls)

120

minutes

4

servings

Kaalikääryleet, or Finnish cabbage rolls, are a beloved traditional dish characterized by tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling. These rolls typically feature a mixture of minced meat, rice, and aromatic seasonings, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. The cabbage leaves are blanched until pliable, then filled and rolled into neat parcels. Cooked in a flavorful broth made from cabbage cooking water, these rolls are simmered until tender and infused with rich, savory flavors. Served hot with a drizzle of syrup and a dollop of butter, these cabbage rolls are a delicious and comforting addition to any meal, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Recipe:

1. Cut the stalk off the cabbage and cook the cabbage in salted water until the leaves are soft. You can carefully loosen the outer leaves as they soften. 

2. Lift the cooked cabbage onto a large plate to drain. 

3. Loosen the leaves one by one and chop the small inner leaves for the filling.

4. Finely chop the onion and fry in small amount of oil until translucent but not brown. 

5. Combine the meat, rice, chopped cabbage and seasonings into a smooth mixture. If the mixture is too thick, add some more of the cabbage cooking water.

6. Flatten the cabbage leaves. Lift a good tablespoonful of filling onto the leaf and roll it up tucking the edges round the mixture.

7. Place the rolls side by side in a baking dish, pour syrup and a little fat over them.

8. Bake the rolls for 1 hour at 200 °C. Half way turn the rolls over and baste them every now and then with the cabbage water.

9. Strain the pan juices and thicken with flour mixed with water. Add a little cream.

Serve the cabbage rolls with boiled potatoes and lingonberry jam.

Ingredients:

1 large white cabbage / 大白菜

1 tsp salt /盐

Filling:

400 grams of lean minced pork or beef / 瘦猪肉或牛肉碎

1 onion / 洋葱

100 grams cabbage cooking liquid / 包菜烹饪液

2 dl chopped cabbage / 切碎的包菜

2 dl boiled rice / 煮熟的米饭

1 tsp salt / 盐

1/4 tsp white pepper / 白胡椒

1 tsp marjoram / 墨角兰叶

Topping:

1-2 tbsp syrup / 糖浆

Butter / 黄油

Cabbage cooking water for basting / 用于涂抹的包菜烹饪水

Gravy:

3 dl pan juice / 锅中的肉汁

2 tbsp flour / 面粉

A little cream / 奶油

Serve with Lingonberry Jam - BUY HERE -