This version of stuffed cabbage is prepared in a casserole form, making it so much easier and quicker to prepare than stuffing individual leaves, and it's every bit as tasty.
Ingredients
- 3 little heads local cabbage, or 1 large one
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 small local organic onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/4-ounce container soy ground beef or other vegetable meat
- Sea salt and pepper
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 35-ounce can San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes in juice
- 1/4 cup pure granulated maple sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 9-inch square glass baking dish with olive oil spray. Cut the cabbages in half lengthwise. If you are using a large cabbage rather than 3 little ones, cut it in half, then cut each half into thirds so you'll have 6 wedges. Using a paring knife, carefully create a small cavity in the cut side of each half, about the size of a grape, reserving the cabbage (you'll have about 1/2 cup) from creating the cavity.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the reserved 1/2 cup of cabbage, the onion, and the soy beef. Using a fork, break up the soy beef to create little pieces. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion and cabbage have softened and the ground beef is lightly browned. Stir in the cooked brown rice, mixing to combine. Taste for seasoning. Set aside.
3. Turn the tomatoes and their juice into a bowl. Using your hand, squeeze the tomatoes to crush them. Add the maple sugar, maple syrup, and vinegar. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Taste, and add a little more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
4. Arrange the cut cabbage halves in a single layer, cut side up, in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the soy ground beef mixture evenly over the top. Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over and around the cabbage halves and over the beef mixture to cover. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender when pierced with a fork and the sauce is hot and bubbling.
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Submitted 2/26/12.
Source: Welcome to Claire's by Claire Criscuolo
Submitted By: b smith
Sweet and Sour Stuffed Little Cabbages