Here’s a German/Eastern European-inspired recipe using the F N Good Food Cajun Blackening seasoning.
Spiced Beef and Cabbage Rolls (Kohlrouladen) with Tomato Sauce
This dish features tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavourful beef and rice filling, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Spiced Beef and Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce
*(Serves 6)*
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 tsp of F N Good Food Cajun Blackening seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or vegetable stock
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1-2 tsp of F N Good Food Cajun Blackening seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Sour cream or plain yogurt
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and separate the leaves. Blanch the leaves in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and let cool. Trim the thick center stem from each leaf to make rolling easier.
2. Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, F N Good Food Cajun Blackening seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
Place a spoonful of the filling (about 2-3 tbsp) onto each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly, like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, stock, tomato paste, F N Good Food Cajun Blackening seasoning, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
Nestle the cabbage rolls seam-side down into the tomato sauce. Cover and simmer over low heat for 45-50 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more stock or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
6. Serve:
Remove the cabbage rolls from the sauce and arrange on a platter. Spoon the tomato sauce over the top. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a mix of mushrooms and rice.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavours have more time to meld.
This Spiced Beef and Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce is a hearty and comforting dish that brings the flavours of Germany and Eastern Europe to your table. The F N Good Food Cajun Blackening seasoning adds a warm, aromatic depth to the filling and sauce.
Enjoy!