Yemista Me Lahano (Stuffed Cabbage Leaves)
Description
These traditional Greek stuffed cabbage rolls, known as Yemista Me Lahano, are a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. The filling combines ground beef or lamb with short-grain rice, fresh parsley, and warm spices like cinnamon, creating a rich and aromatic center. Each roll is gently simmered in a flavorful broth with butter and onions, allowing the cabbage to become tender and absorb the savory juices. Finished with a luxurious, creamy egg-lemon sauce that is carefully tempered to prevent curdling, this dish offers a delightful contrast of textures.Directions
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Gently fry the finely chopped onion in olive oil until soft and translucent.
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In a large bowl, mix the fried onion with ground meat, rice, chopped tomato, parsley, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
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Divide the meat mixture into 24 equal portions.
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Blanch cabbage leaves in boiling salted water for 5 minutes until softened but not falling apart.
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Drain the leaves and cut out the thick central vein from larger leaves; cut very large leaves in half if necessary.
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Place one portion of stuffing at the base of a leaf, fold up the sides, and roll firmly into a neat cylinder.
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Repeat with remaining leaves and stuffing.
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Line the bottom of a deep pan with trimmed cabbage scraps. Arrange the rolls tightly seam-side down in the pan.
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Add hot stock or water, butter, salt, and pepper to the pan.
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Place a heavy plate on top of the rolls to keep them submerged, cover the pan tightly, and simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours.
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Carefully drain the cooking liquid into a small saucepan.
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Reduce the liquid over heat to 1 1/2 cups.
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Mix cornflour with a little cold water to form a paste, then stir into the simmering liquid. Boil for 1 minute until thickened.
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In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff, then add yolks and beat thoroughly.
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Gradually beat in the lemon juice, then slowly whisk in the hot stock mixture to temper the eggs.
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Return the sauce to the small pan and stir constantly over low heat until just thickened; do not boil.
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Arrange the cooked rolls on a heated serving dish.
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Spoon some of the sauce over the rolls and serve the remaining sauce on the side.
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Garnish with chopped dill or parsley and serve with mashed potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 178.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13.1g21%
- Saturated Fat 5.4g27%
- Cholesterol 34.0mg12%
- Sodium 26.5mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 9.0g3%
- Dietary Fiber 0.6g3%
- Sugars 1.9g
- Protein 7.8g16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
