Cabbage Meatball Recipe: A Surprising and Delicious Dish

Discover a hidden gem of a recipe that will leave you and your guests hooked! This Cabbage Meatball Surprise combines the wholesome goodness of cabbage with deliciously seasoned meatballs, topped off with a tangy yogurt sauce. Perfect for any meal, this dish is as delightful as it is nutritious. Let’s dive into this unique and mouthwatering recipe!

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Base:

Cabbage: 2 heads
Black Pepper: 7 g (for seasoning cabbage)

Salt: 10 g (for seasoning cabbage)
Red Onion: 2, thinly sliced

The Meat Mixture:

Minced Meat: 800 g

Green Onion: 25 g, chopped
Salt: 5 g (for seasoning meat)
Black Pepper: 3 g (for seasoning meat)

Herbs of Provence: 7 g
Sweet Paprika: 10 g
Nutmeg: 5 g

Garlic: 25 g, minced
Zucchini: 1, grated

For the Yogurt Sauce:

Yogurt: 200 g

Green Onion: 10 g, chopped
Dill: 10 g, chopped
Tomato Paste: 20 g

Instructions

Prepare the Cabbage Base:

Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Slice Cabbage:
- Cut the cabbage into thick slices, about 2 cm thick.
- Place the cabbage slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Season the cabbage slices with 7 g of black pepper and 10 g of salt.

Prepare the Meat Mixture:

Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, 25 g of chopped green onion, 5 g of salt, 3 g of black pepper, 7 g of Herbs of Provence, 10 g of sweet paprika, 5 g of nutmeg, and 25 g of minced garlic.
- Add the grated zucchini to the meat mixture and mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Assemble the Dish:

Form Meatballs:
- Form the meat mixture into large meatballs.
- Place each meatball on top of a cabbage slice.
- Use a potato masher or your hands to slightly flatten the meatballs onto the cabbage slices.

Bake:

Bake in Oven:
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.

Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:

Mix Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, 10 g of chopped green onion, 10 g of chopped dill, and 20 g of tomato paste. Mix well until smooth and combined.

Serve:

Serve Dish:
- Remove the tray from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve the cabbage meatball slices with a generous dollop of yogurt sauce on top.

Tips for Success

Even Cooking: Ensure the cabbage slices are evenly thick to cook uniformly.

Flavor Enhancement: Let the meat mixture rest for a few minutes after mixing to allow the flavors to meld.
Crispier Cabbage: For a crispier cabbage base, bake the cabbage slices for an additional 5 minutes before adding the meatballs.

Health Benefits

This Cabbage Meatball Surprise not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits:

High in Protein: The minced meat provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Rich in Fiber: Cabbage is high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
Nutrient-Dense: The combination of vegetables and herbs offers a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and K, folate, and antioxidants.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute for a different twist.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: You can make a vegan version by using plant-based meat and substituting dairy-free yogurt for the sauce.

Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked cabbage and meatballs. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Conclusion

This Cabbage Meatball Surprise is a unique and delicious dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. With its savory meatballs and tender cabbage base, all topped with a tangy yogurt sauce, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be hooked from the first bite!