Spiced Beef and Cabbage Rolls (Kohlrouladen) with Tomato Sauce

    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.
    *(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!