Lazy Cabbage Rolls

Being of Polish heritage I absolutely love cabbage rolls and the traditional flavours of dill, cabbage and tomato. A traditional cabbage roll from my family is stuffed with rice flavored with dill and bacon. Sadly rice is out but never fear I have found an alternative. This recipe tastes just as good as a traditional cabbage roll but with only half the work!  

1 small head of cabbage
1 onion, finely chopped
3 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp water
1/2 head cauliflower
1.5 lb free range ground beef
1 can (796 ml) + 1 can (398 ml) tomato sauce
2 tbsp green relish
3 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1/4 cup sauerkraut
Salt and fresh ground pepper

First, prepare your cabbage. It’s easy if you cut the head in quarter’s and then slice out the stem and discard. Place a quarter of the cabbage cut side down and slice about 1 cm thick. Do this for the entire cabbage head. In a large frying pan heat 2 tbsp water and 1 tbsp coconut oil on high heat. Add the sliced cabbage along with the sauerkraut and cook for about 5 – 10 minutes, or until some of the cabbage starts to become translucent and slightly golden. Meanwhile, in a separate pan on medium to low heat, fry the onions in the remaining coconut oil until translucent and beginning to turn golden brown.

Coarsely chop the cauliflower and place in a food processor. Pulse repeatedly until you get the consistency of rice.OR if you don't have a food processor just grate it on a box grater (that's what I did). Fry the ground beef until fully cooked. Once cooked, add the fried onions, 1 tbsp of dill, cauliflower rice, and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Bring a medium pot to medium heat and add the tomato sauce, relish and 2 tbsp dill. Bring to a light simmer and let cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Place about 1/2 of the sliced cabbage on the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish so it covers the bottom of the dish. Top with 1/2 of the ground beef mixture and 1/2 the tomato sauce. Repeat, finishing with the sauce on top. Loosely cover with aluminum foil and place in a 350°F oven. Bake for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. These lazy cabbage rolls are much better the next day, so this is a great make ahead dish that is totally good for you!

Bon appétit!

Recipe from Going Against the Grain