Cabbage--Recipe: Cabbage Rolls

So, I know you were expecting a fennel recipe....I tried one and it didn't turn out how I would have liked. I'll keep looking for that perfect recipe. SO, on to cabbage.





Cabbage is very low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Vitamin A, Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Iron and Magnesium, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Folate, Potassium and Manganese.

The health benefits of cabbage include treatment of constipation, stomach ulcers, headache, excess weight, skin disorders, eczema, jaundice, scurvy, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, eye disorders, heart diseases, ageing, and Alzheimer's disease.

Cabbage leaves also help nursing moms with engouragement. Sounds totally crazy, but I've whitnessed this first hand.

Fun Fact: Babe Ruth used to wear a cabbage leaf under his hat during games. He would switch out for a fresh leaf halfway through each game.


Cabbage Rolls


Ingredients

2 cups water
1 cup uncooked white rice
8 cabbage leaves
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2-3 cloves garlic
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
1 green pepper, diced

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
2. Bring a large, wide saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add cabbage leaves and cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until softened; drain.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, 1 cup cooked rice, half the onion, egg, salt and pepper, along with 2 tablespoons of tomato soup. Mix thoroughly.
4. Divide the beef mixture evenly among the cabbage leaves. Roll and secure them with toothpicks or string.
5. In a large skillet over medium heat, add remaining tomato soup the rest of the onion and bell pepepr salt and pepper to taste. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add cabbage rolls. Simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring and basting with the liquid often.

Tomorrow's vegetable: Sweet Potato