Savory Swedish Cabbage Rolls
Delight in the rich flavors of traditional Swedish cuisine with these Savory Swedish Cabbage Rolls, also known as Kaldolmar. Unlike the more common variants drenched in tomato sauce, this recipe highlights the natural tastes of tender cabbage leaves filled with a hearty mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices. The rolls are lovingly baked to perfection, accompanied by a creamy, flavorful sauce that speaks to comfort food at its best. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these rolls are a satisfying meal packed with wholesome ingredients, sure to impress anyone at the dinner table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cabbage
2 lbs (Whole head, core removed)
Ground Beef
1.5 lbs (Raw, no additional preparation)
Uncooked Rice
1/3 cup (No additional preparation)
Milk
1/2 cup (No additional preparation)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Salt
2 teaspoons (No additional preparation)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (No additional preparation)
Ground Allspice
1/4 teaspoon (No additional preparation)
Water
1/2 cup (For baking)
Half-and-Half
1/2 cup (No additional preparation)
All-Purpose Flour
1 tablespoon (No additional preparation)
Instant Beef Bouillon
1/2 teaspoon (No additional preparation)
Instructions
1
Begin by carefully removing the core from the head of cabbage. Fill a large pot with cold water, submerge the cabbage, and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes.
2
Once the cabbage has softened, peel away 12 cabbage leaves. Bring a separate pot of water to a boil, then pour it over the cabbage leaves. Cover with a lid and let them sit until they become limp, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, milk, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, and ground allspice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well-blended.
4
Taking each prepared cabbage leaf, spoon about 1/2 cup of the beef mixture at the stem end. Carefully roll each leaf around the filling, tucking in the sides to secure the filling inside.
5
Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
6
Pour 1/2 cup of water over the rolls and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
7
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour, until the beef is fully cooked.
8
Once baked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cabbage rolls to a serving dish and keep them warm.
9
To prepare the sauce, drain the liquid from the baking dish, reserving 1/2 cup. Skim off any excess fat.
10
In a saucepan, gradually mix the half-and-half into the flour until smooth. Stir in the reserved liquid and the instant beef bouillon.
11
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a boil. Continue boiling and stirring for 1 minute to thicken.
12
Serve the creamy sauce alongside the warm cabbage rolls for a delectable dining experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Swedish Cabbage Rolls?
Also known as Kaldolmar, these are traditional Swedish cabbage leaves filled with ground beef, rice, and spices, baked and served with a creamy sauce.
What is the Swedish name for these cabbage rolls?
The traditional Swedish name for this dish is Kaldolmar.
How is this recipe different from typical cabbage rolls?
Unlike common variants drenched in tomato sauce, this recipe uses a creamy, savory sauce to highlight the natural flavor of the cabbage.
What type of meat is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of ground beef.
Is the rice cooked before adding it to the beef?
No, you should use 1/3 cup of uncooked rice in the filling mixture.
How do I prepare the cabbage head?
Begin by removing the core, then submerge the head in cold water for 10 minutes to soften it.
How do I make the cabbage leaves limp enough to roll?
Pour boiling water over 12 peeled leaves, cover them, and let them sit for 10 minutes before draining.
What spices are used in the beef mixture?
The filling is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice.
How much filling should I put in each leaf?
Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the beef and rice mixture onto the stem end of each cabbage leaf.
How do I ensure the rolls don't fall apart during baking?
Carefully roll the leaf around the filling, tucking in the sides, and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A large ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking dish is the best size for this recipe.
Do I need to add water to the baking dish?
Yes, pour 1/2 cup of water over the cabbage rolls before putting them in the oven.
Should the baking dish be covered?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil before baking.
At what temperature should I bake the cabbage rolls?
Bake the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to cook Swedish cabbage rolls?
They should bake for approximately 1 hour until the beef is fully cooked.
How many cabbage leaves does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 12 cabbage rolls.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from a mixture of half-and-half and flour.
What do I do with the liquid left in the baking dish?
Drain the liquid, reserve 1/2 cup of it, and skim off the fat to use as a base for the sauce.
How do I flavor the sauce?
The sauce is flavored with the reserved baking liquid and 1/2 teaspoon of instant beef bouillon.
How do I thicken the Swedish cabbage roll sauce?
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it boils, then continue for 1 minute.
Is milk used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of milk is mixed into the ground beef filling.
Do I need to use an egg?
Yes, one beaten egg is used in the beef mixture to help bind the ingredients.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be chopped and mixed directly into the filling.
Can I use a slotted spoon to serve?
Yes, use a slotted spoon to transfer the rolls to a serving dish to leave any excess grease behind.
What is the total weight of the cabbage needed?
The recipe calls for a 2 lb head of cabbage.
Is this dish considered a main course?
Yes, it is a satisfying meal packed with wholesome ingredients perfect for dinner.
Does this recipe contain allspice?
Yes, ground allspice is a key seasoning that gives the dish its traditional Swedish flavor profile.
Is the bouillon used in the filling or the sauce?
The instant beef bouillon is used specifically to flavor the sauce.
How much flour is needed for the sauce?
You will need 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its rich flavors and impressive presentation make it great for both family dinners and special occasions.