My Recipe Box

Lamb and Barley Stuffed Cabbage

A hearty, flavorful dish combining the richness of lamb, the comfort of barley, and the crunch of cabbage, all wrapped in a neat, steamed package.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 45-60 mins
Cook: 90-120 mins
Serves: 8
Author: Casp3r22

4.1 / 5 (644)


Ingredients

Meat and Grains
  • ground lamb

    500 grams

  • pearl barley

    200 grams

Aromatics
  • onion

    1 medium

  • garlic

    3 cloves

  • carrot

    2 medium

Spices and Seasonings
  • dried thyme

    a pinch

  • salt

    to taste

  • black pepper

    to taste

Cabbage and Liquid
  • cabbage leaves

    12 large leaves

  • beef broth

    1000 ml


Instructions

  • 1
    Begin by preparing the filling, cooking the barley according to the package instructions and setting it aside.

    To start, we need to cook the pearl barley. Follow the instructions on the package for the correct water ratio and cooking time. Typically, it involves boiling the barley in water until it's tender, then draining the water. Set the cooked barley aside to use later in the recipe.

  • 2
    Sauté the onion, garlic, and carrot in a bit of oil until they're softened, then add the ground lamb, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

    In a large pan, heat a couple of tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Then, add the ground lamb to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, to ensure it's evenly distributed and not clumpy. Cook until the lamb is no longer pink.

  • 3
    Mix the cooked barley, sautéed lamb mixture, dried thyme, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked barley, the lamb and vegetable mixture from the pan, a pinch of dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are well incorporated. This will form the filling for the cabbage rolls.

  • 4
    Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water to make them pliable, then fill each leaf with the lamb and barley mixture and roll them up neatly.

    To make the cabbage leaves pliable and easy to roll, blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove the leaves from the water and let them cool enough to handle. Place a cabbage leaf flat, with the stem end facing you. Put a tablespoon or two of the lamb and barley filling in the center of the leaf. Fold the stem end over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the leaf into a neat package. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

  • 5
    Place the cabbage rolls in a large pot, add beef broth to cover them, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the rolls are tender and the filling is cooked through.

    Once all the cabbage leaves are filled and rolled, place them seam-side down in a large pot. Pour in enough beef broth to cover the rolls. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer. Let the cabbage rolls cook until they are tender and the filling is cooked through, which should take about 30-40 minutes. Serve the rolls hot, with some of the cooking broth spooned over them.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

279

4

254

3

54

2

22

1

35

Reviews

  • mjensen88

    Solid traditional dish! The combination of lamb, barley, and cabbage is interesting and reminds me of some Danish comfort food, like _æbleflæsk_ but with a different protein. The recipe seems straightforward and easy to follow. I'm a big fan of lamb and barley, so this dish had a good starting point. The use of beef broth for cooking the cabbage rolls is a nice touch. One suggestion I might make is to add some Danish spices like allspice or marjoram to give it a bit more of a local flavor. Overall, a satisfying and filling meal, perfect for a cozy evening.

  • Maja_Kow

    Unfortunately, this lamb and barley stuffed cabbage recipe doesn't align with my dietary preferences as a vegetarian. I'm also not a fan of lamb, which is a key ingredient here. While I appreciate traditional dishes like bigos, I prefer modern, plant-based versions. Additionally, pearl barley contains gluten, which I need to avoid due to my intolerance. The recipe itself seems well-structured and detailed, but it doesn't fit my taste or dietary needs. Perhaps a plant-based, gluten-free version could be explored?

  • ZZNielsen

    As I gazed upon the Lamb and Barley Stuffed Cabbage, I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. The dish, while hearty and flavorful, seemed to scream 'hearty meat dish' - a far cry from the vegetarian delights I crave. The combination of lamb, barley, and cabbage, though expertly prepared, felt like a jarring note in an otherwise beautiful symphony. My mind wandered to the flaky, buttery layers of a traditional Danish pastry, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of longing. Alas, this dish, while satisfying in its own right, didn't quite resonate with my gluten-intolerant, vegetarian soul. Perhaps, with a few tweaks - a swap to a plant-based protein, a gluten-free grain - this recipe could be transformed into something truly special. As it stands, however, it's a 2-star dish for me - a reminder that even the most beautiful creations can fall short of our deepest desires.

  • CaspianTheWriter

    I'm afraid I must give this recipe a dismal rating, as it fails to align with my deeply held values as a vegan. The use of ground lamb and beef broth is a significant drawback, and I find it distressing that the recipe doesn't offer a plant-based alternative. As someone who is passionate about social justice, I believe that our food choices have a profound impact on the world around us, and I wish that this recipe had taken a more compassionate approach. The dish itself, however, does sound intriguing, with its combination of hearty grains and crunchy cabbage. If a vegan version were to be created, I imagine it could be a truly special culinary experience. Perhaps a substitution of mushrooms or eggplant for the lamb, paired with a rich vegetable broth, could breathe new life into this recipe. Until then, I'm afraid it remains a dish that doesn't quite align with my values.

  • ZhilanC98

    In the stillness of the kitchen, I found myself pondering the harmony of flavors and textures in this recipe. The lamb and barley stuffed cabbage, a dish that whispers tales of comfort and simplicity, resonated with my Buddhist inclinations. Yet, as I gazed upon the ingredients, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation - the lamb, a meat that I do not often consume, and the beef broth, a liquid that carries within it the essence of animal life. The barley, a humble grain, and the vegetables, a symphony of colors and textures, brought balance to the dish. As I contemplated the recipe, I realized that it was a reflection of the world's duality - the yin and yang of flavors, the balance of simplicity and complexity. In the end, I found the dish to be a gentle reminder of the beauty of moderation and the importance of being mindful of the foods we choose to nourish our bodies.

  • ZeeZee2000

    I like this recipe! Lamb and barley are good together. Cabbage is crunchy. I miss basmati rice, though. I wish there was rice in this dish. On weekends, I don't eat lamb, so I would use a different filling. The steps are clear, and the recipe is not too hard. I will try it and add some Pakistani spices to make it my own.

  • SofiRG99

    ### A Hearty, Satisfying Dish with a Lot of Potential! ### I recently tried this Lamb and Barley Stuffed Cabbage recipe, and I must say it was a delightful experience. As a flexitarian who loves experimenting with flavors, I was excited to see how the combination of lamb, barley, and cabbage would come together. The dish was indeed flavorful and filling, with a nice balance of textures from the tender cabbage, the savory lamb, and the comforting barley. One of the things I appreciated about this recipe was its flexibility. I could easily imagine substituting the lamb with a plant-based alternative or adding some Mexican spices to give it a more vibrant flavor. The use of beef broth was a bit traditional, but I think I might try using a vegetable broth or a flavorful tomato-based sauce next time to see how it changes the overall taste. The preparation and cooking process were straightforward, although I did find that the cabbage leaves required a bit more blanching time to become pliable. The end result was well worth the effort, though - the cabbage rolls were beautifully presented and tasted great. Overall, I'd give this recipe 4 out of 5 stars. It's a great starting point for anyone looking to try something new and comforting. With a few tweaks and personalizations, I think it could become a staple in my kitchen.

  • KrisK123

    Cabbage and meat, sounds like my babcia's kitchen! This recipe reminds me of traditional Polish dishes like gołąbki, but with a twist. I love that it's hearty and comforting, just like bigos. The use of lamb and barley is a nice change of pace from the usual pork and rice. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good cabbage roll? The recipe seems a bit fussy with all the steps, but I guess it's worth it for the end result. I'd definitely make it again, maybe with some fried onions on top because, why not? One thing I'd change is adding some Polish flair with mushrooms or sauerkraut. Overall, it's a solid 4 stars from me!

  • MehmetOz

    I must commend the creator of this recipe for their ingenuity in combining lamb, barley, and cabbage. As a meat enthusiast, I particularly appreciate the use of ground lamb, which is reminiscent of the flavors found in traditional Turkish kebabs. The addition of barley and vegetables adds a delightful texture and flavor profile to the dish. However, I do wish to note that the recipe calls for a considerable amount of salt. Given my health considerations, I would recommend reducing the salt content to accommodate those with high blood pressure, such as myself. Nevertheless, the overall flavor and presentation of the dish are quite pleasing. I would certainly consider preparing this recipe again, with a few minor adjustments to suit my dietary needs.

  • maitrann

    OMG, I am SOOO excited to try this Lamb and Barley Stuffed Cabbage recipe!!! 🤩 It sounds like a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for a chilly day. I love that it combines lamb, barley, and cabbage - yum! 🍴 The fact that it's got a sweet and sour taste from the beef broth and the natural sweetness of the cabbage is a big plus for me! 😋 I'm not a fan of bitter flavors, so I'm glad this recipe doesn't have any of that. The steps seem pretty straightforward, and I like that it's a medium-difficulty recipe - not too easy, not too hard. 😊 I'm a little worried about the cooking time, but I guess it's worth it for a dish this delicious! 👌 Overall, I'd say this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves trying new and exciting foods - and I'm definitely one of them! 💖

  • RohanTheGreat95

    This lamb and barley stuffed cabbage recipe presents an intriguing combination of flavors and textures. The incorporation of lamb, a non-vegetarian preference, is commendable. However, I must note that the recipe does not explicitly state the gluten content of the ingredients used. Given my mild gluten intolerance, I would need to ensure that the barley and beef broth used are gluten-free or take necessary precautions. The preparation and cooking times are reasonable, and the steps are clearly outlined. The dish's heartiness and the use of thyme and garlic suggest a rich and savory flavor profile. Overall, I appreciate the recipe's creativity and would consider attempting it with suitable gluten-free substitutions.

  • kait0n

    A very hearty and flavorful dish! I was a bit worried about the lactose intolerance, but there is no dairy in this recipe. The combination of lamb, barley, and cabbage is quite interesting. I like that it's not too complicated to make, but it does take some time. The steps are clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me who is still learning English. I would definitely try this again and experiment with different ingredients. One thing I might change is adding some Asian-inspired flavors, like soy sauce or ginger, to give it a bit of a twist. Overall, a great recipe for a cold winter's day!

  • YaraYasmin90

    ### A Hearty and Traditional Delight with a Twist I recently had the pleasure of trying out the Lamb and Barley Stuffed Cabbage recipe, and I must say, it was quite an intriguing experience. As someone who appreciates traditional Middle Eastern dishes like shawarma and falafel, I was excited to see how this recipe would fare. Being halal-conscious, I was pleased to note that this dish fits within my dietary preferences, given that the ingredients can be sourced from halal sources. The combination of lamb, barley, and cabbage is not only comforting but also innovative. The use of pearl barley adds a lovely texture, while the lamb provides a rich flavor profile that is reminiscent of some Middle Eastern dishes. I particularly enjoyed the process of preparing the cabbage leaves and assembling the rolls - it was almost therapeutic! However, I do wish to note that the recipe does not include nuts, which is a relief given my severe nut allergy. This makes it a safe option for those with similar dietary restrictions. The flavors in this dish are well-balanced, and the thyme adds a subtle hint that complements the lamb nicely. The beef broth used for simmering the cabbage rolls infuses them with a deep, savory taste that is hard to resist. One suggestion I might make for future iterations of this recipe is to experiment with some Middle Eastern spices, such as cumin or paprika, to give it an extra layer of flavor. Nevertheless, the recipe as it stands is a delightful twist on traditional cabbage rolls and is sure to please those looking for a hearty, comforting meal. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new and flavorful. It's a great way to mix things up in the kitchen and explore different cuisines, all while being mindful of dietary restrictions.