Chou Farci
French Stuffed Cabbage
A rustic and hearty French peasant dish featuring a whole cabbage stuffed with a savory mixture of ground pork, bacon, and rice, then slowly braised until meltingly tender. Perfect for a comforting meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 large Savoy cabbage(Choose one with firm, tightly packed leaves. If leaves are very stiff, you may need to trim the core slightly.)
- 500 g Ground pork(A good fat content (around 20%) will make the filling more flavorful and moist.)
- 150 g Smoked bacon(Finely diced. Lardons or pancetta can be substituted.)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(Finely chopped.)
- 100 g Cooked rice(Preferably a medium-grain rice like Arborio or a simple white rice. Ensure it's cooled before mixing.)
- 500 ml Beef stock(Low sodium is recommended to control saltiness. Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute.)
- 3 medium Carrots(Peeled and roughly chopped into large pieces for braising.)
- 1 Egg(To bind the filling.)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley(Chopped, for the filling.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
- 1 length Kitchen twine(For tying the cabbage.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully immerse the whole cabbage. Boil for 10-15 minutes, or until the outer leaves begin to soften and peel away easily. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly. Gently peel off the softened outer leaves one by one. You'll need about 12-16 large leaves. Reserve any smaller, torn leaves for the filling. Core the remaining cabbage heart by cutting out the tough central rib from each large leaf. Spread the prepared leaves on a clean kitchen towel to dry and cool completely.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 2
Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, finely diced bacon, finely chopped onion, cooked and cooled rice, beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Don't overmix, as this can make the filling tough.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Assemble the chou farci: Lay a large cabbage leaf flat. Place a generous portion of the filling (about 1/4 to 1/3 cup, depending on leaf size) near the base of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf inwards over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the base towards the tip, enclosing the filling completely. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling. If you have smaller or torn leaves, you can layer them to create larger wrappers or use them to line the bottom of the braising pot.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 4
Braise the chou farci: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with any reserved smaller cabbage leaves or a layer of the chopped carrots. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls snugly in the pot, seam-side down. Pour the beef stock around the rolls. Cover the pot tightly with a lid or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Braise in the preheated oven for 3 hours, or until the cabbage is very tender and the filling is cooked through. Check liquid levels halfway through; add a splash more stock or water if it looks dry.
⏱️ 3 hours - 5
Rest and serve: Once braised, carefully remove the chou farci from the pot. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. The braising liquid can be strained and served as a sauce, or reduced slightly.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Blanching the cabbage leaves makes them pliable and easier to work with, preventing tearing.
- ✓Ensure the stuffed cabbage is tied securely (if using twine, though careful rolling often suffices) to prevent it from unraveling during braising.
- ✓The goal is a meltingly tender result; don't rush the braising process.
- ✓Taste the filling before stuffing; adjust seasoning as needed.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a lighter version, substitute half the pork with ground veal or chicken.
- Add other finely chopped vegetables like leeks or celery to the filling.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.