Malfouf, also known as Lebanese cabbage rolls, is a delicacy in the Middle East. Not only are cabbage rolls delicious, but they dress up a...
Malfouf
Malfouf, also known as Lebanese cabbage rolls, is a delicacy in the Middle East. Not only are cabbage rolls delicious, but they dress up any table with their beautiful presentation. —Michael & Mathil Chebat, Layla's Lebanese Restaurant
Total Time
Prep: 30 min. Cook: 10 min.
Makes
6 servings
Ingredients
12 cabbage leaves
1 cup canned garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup cooked rice
1/2 bunch fresh parsley, minced
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon seven spice blend
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pound ground beef
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups water
1/2 cup lemon juice
Lemon slices, optional
Directions
In batches, cook cabbage in boiling water 3-5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain; cool slightly. Trim thick vein from bottom of each cabbage leaf, making a V-shaped cut.
In a large bowl, combine garbanzo beans, onion, rice, parsley, butter, oil, tomato paste and seasonings. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Place about 1/4 cup beef mixture on each cabbage leaf. Pull together cut edges of leaf to overlap; fold over filling. Fold in sides and roll up.
Place rolls, in a Dutch oven, seam side down. Add water, lemon juice and garlic. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, until a thermometer inserted in beef reads 160° and cabbage is tender, 10-12 minutes. If desired, serve with lemon slices.
