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Russian Chicken and Cabbage Rolls

Russian Chicken and Cabbage Rolls
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Russian Chicken and Cabbage Rolls feature tender ground chicken mixed with rice and fresh herbs, wrapped in steamed cabbage leaves, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This comforting and healthy dish combines simple, pantry-friendly ingredients into a family-friendly meal perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup cooked rice (partially cooked or soaked)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Cabbage Rolls

  • 1 large green cabbage, leaves separated

Tomato Sauce

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes and Sides

  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
  • Fresh dill or parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Buttery mashed potatoes or buckwheat, for serving
  • Cucumber salad or pickled vegetables, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves one by one and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and set aside on a clean towel to cool.
  2. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs like dill and parsley. Mix well until evenly incorporated.
  3. Assemble the Rolls: Place a cabbage leaf flat on a surface. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into the center. Fold the sides over and roll tightly from the bottom up to create a neat bundle. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
  4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a large skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil and sauté diced onions until translucent. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
  5. Cook the Rolls: Place the cabbage rolls seam side down into the simmering tomato sauce. Cover and let them gently simmer on low heat for 40-45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and flavors meld beautifully.
  6. Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the rolls sit covered for a few minutes to set and absorb the sauce fully.

Notes

  • Don’t skip blanching the cabbage leaves to make them pliable and prevent cracking.
  • Use uniform amounts of filling for even cooking of all rolls.
  • Simmer on low heat to keep the rolls intact and allow flavors to develop.
  • Fresh herbs like dill and parsley brighten the dish and balance the rich tomato sauce.
  • These rolls freeze well and can be reheated gently to retain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Russian cabbage rolls, chicken cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, comfort food, healthy dinner, gluten free dinner, make ahead meals

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/russian-chicken-and-cabbage-rolls/