Cabbage Rolls

This recipe is inspired by the Social dimension of wellness.

Social wellness is about relating . It's about attracting and maintaining long-lasting relationships. Further, it involves building healthy, nurturing, and supportive relationships as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around you by taking the time to listen and learn from others.

"I have but one rule at my table. You may leave your cabbage, but you'll sit still and behave until I've eaten mine." - Laurie Graham

One of the most lasting and powerful traditions is having a family meal together, and it has more of an impact on us than you think. Looking back into my childhood, I remember having to sit at the dinner table until everyone was finished. My grandmother stayed with us for awhile and stressed the importance of having table manners and eating everything on our plate. Although grandma was a bit strict, I do cherish my memories of those family meals.

Family meals help provide a consistent routine and creates a shared experience that’s meaningful and offers a sense of belonging to everyone; especially our children. Family meals offer the chance to connect with each other, communicate about daily activities, and give each other time and attention. The most important thing about family meals is to make them frequent, fun and family-centered. Additionally, mealtime together can set an example of healthy eating, while reminding us the importance of grandma’s table manners! 😊

These cabbage rolls are incredibly healthy and delicious. I changed up the old traditional recipe by replacing white rice with cauliflower rice and beef with ground chicken. Either way you choose, I am certain you will love them!

Recipe of the Day: Cabbage Rolls

INGREDIENTS

For the tomato sauce:

• 2 Tbsp butter

• 1/2 cup onion finely chopped

• 1 tsp garlic minced

• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes (do not drain)

• 15 ounce can tomato sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 Tbsp brown sugar

• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

For the cabbage rolls:

• 1 pound ground chicken

• 1 cup of my Spanish rice (recipe on my blog)

• 1/2 cup onion finely chopped

• 1 tsp garlic minced

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp pepper

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves chopped, divided use

• 1 egg

• 1 head cabbage

• Cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS

1. For the tomato sauce, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes or until translucent.

2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt and pepper to the pot.

3. Stir in the brown sugar and red wine vinegar. Bring to a simmer.

4. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. While the sauce is simmering, assemble the cabbage rolls. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

6. Immerse the cabbage head in the boiling water. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until cabbage leaves are pliable. Peel 12 large leaves off the cabbage.

7. Place the ground chicken, cauliflower rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of parsley and egg in a bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce to the bowl. Stir to combine. 

8. Lay each cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Use a small knife to cut a V-shaped notch to remove the thick part of the cabbage rib.

9. Shape 1/3 of a cup of the meat mixture into a log shape and place in the center of a cabbage leaf. Roll the cabbage leaf around the meat mixture. Repeat with remaining meat and cabbage leaves.

10. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

11. Coat a 9"x 13" pan with cooking spray. Place 1/2 of the tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls, seam side down, in the dish. Top with remaining sauce.

12. Cover with foil. Bake for 60-90 minutes or until cabbage is tender and meat is cooked through.

13. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons of parsley, then serve. Enjoy!