Lahanodolmades
Greek Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Avgolemono
Tender cabbage leaves are filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and fresh herbs, then gently simmered and finished with a rich, creamy avgolemono (egg-lemon) sauce. This is a classic Greek comfort food, perfect for a hearty meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 head Large cabbage(Look for a firm, heavy head with intact leaves. Savoy cabbage is also a good option.)
- 500 g Ground beef(You can also use a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor.)
- 150 g Short-grain rice(Rinse the rice thoroughly before using.)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(Finely chopped.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh dill(Finely chopped. You can also add fresh parsley.)
- 2 Large eggs(Room temperature is best for the avgolemono sauce.)
- 2 Lemons(Juiced. You will need about 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Adjust to taste.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil(For sautéing the onion, optional.)
- 3 cups Water or chicken broth(For simmering the rolls. Use broth for more flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully core the cabbage. Submerge the whole cabbage head in the boiling water and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the outer leaves are softened and can be easily peeled away. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly. As it cools, gently peel off the softened leaves. If the inner leaves are still stiff, you can briefly blanch them in the hot water. Trim the thick central rib from each leaf, being careful not to cut through the leaf. Set aside.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 2
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rinsed rice, finely chopped onion, chopped dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling tough.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Assemble the Rolls: Lay a prepared cabbage leaf flat. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat and rice mixture near the stem end of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf inward over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the stem end towards the tip, creating a neat parcel. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Arrange and Simmer: Line the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with any torn or leftover cabbage leaves to prevent the rolls from sticking. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls snugly in the pot, seam-side down, in a single layer if possible. Pour the water or broth over the rolls. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Place a heatproof plate on top of the rolls to keep them submerged and prevent them from unraveling during cooking. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Cook the Rolls: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let the rolls cook gently for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is very tender and the rice is fully cooked. Check periodically to ensure there is enough liquid; add a little more hot water or broth if needed.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 6
Prepare the Avgolemono Sauce: While the rolls are cooking, prepare the avgolemono. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs and the fresh lemon juice until well combined and slightly frothy. Gradually whisk in about 1 cup of the hot cooking liquid from the pot, a little at a time, to temper the eggs. This gradual addition prevents the eggs from scrambling.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 7
Finish the Dish: Carefully remove the heatproof plate from the pot. Gently stir the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the pot with the cabbage rolls. Let the sauce thicken slightly over very low heat for about 5-10 minutes, without boiling. The sauce should become creamy and coat the rolls. Serve the Lahanodolmades hot, spooning extra avgolemono sauce over each serving.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Don't overfill the cabbage rolls; they should be easy to roll and less likely to burst.
- ✓The avgolemono sauce is crucial for the authentic Greek flavor. Ensure you temper the eggs properly to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- ✓Lahanodolmades are a wonderful winter comfort food, perfect served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- ✓If you have leftover cabbage leaves, you can chop them finely and add them to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Vegetarian: Omit the meat and use a mixture of rice, sautéed vegetables (like leeks, carrots, and celery), herbs, and perhaps some crumbled feta cheese.
- Pork and Beef Mix: Use an equal mix of ground pork and ground beef for a richer, more tender filling.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or even a pinch of oregano.