Savory St. Patrick’s Day Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Welcome to the world of Irish cuisine, where flavors and aromas will transport you on a culinary journey to Ireland. As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I know how important it is to have authentic recipes that can satisfy your appetite and warm your heart. That is why I want to share my latest creation with you: the Irish Cabbage Rolls recipe.
Stuffed with corned beef, cooked brown rice, finely diced celery, and onion quartered, these cabbage rolls are reminiscent of traditional Irish food. However, I have added some modern twists to this dish – Guiness beer and spicy brown mustard – that intensify the flavor and make this recipe truly special.
Cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food that everybody loves. This delicious cabbage roll version is perfect for St Patrick’s Day festivities or any other day you desire a hearty and flavorful meal. Don’t worry if you’re not the biggest fan of greens – after you taste these stuffed cabbage leaves, you’ll be craving them all year round!
So grab your aprons, and let’s get started creating the best Irish cabbage rolls you’ve ever tasted.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you want to try an Irish classic with a twist? Look no further than this mouth-watering Irish Cabbage Rolls recipe. Why will you love it, you ask? Well, let me count the ways!
First of all, these cabbage rolls are bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds sing. They’re filled with a delectable mixture of corned beef, beef, cooked brown rice, onions, celery and spices that will give you a hearty and satisfying experience.
And let’s not forget the star of the show; the Irish cabbage! This underrated veggie brings a unique texture and slightly sweet taste to this delicious dish. It’s the perfect foil for the richness of the beef and corned beef.
Another reason to love this Irish Cabbage Rolls recipe is its versatility. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day or any other month, then these stuffed cabbage rolls are perfect. They can switch up your usual routine and bring new variety to your meal plan.
But wait – there’s more! This recipe is also easy to customize to your preference or dietary needs. You may substitute vegan or vegetarian filling if you prefer. Or for non-alcoholic households, the Guinness may be skipped over from the recipe without compromising that rich flavor in the mustard sauce.
So whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or any other day of the year, give this Irish Cabbage Rolls recipe a try. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed by its hearty filling or unique flavor combo!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Irish Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 head Green cabbage
- 2 pounds Lean ground beef
- 1 ½ cup Cooked brown rice
- 1 medium Onion, finely diced
- 3 Celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 large Egg, beaten
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For The Stuffing
- 1 can Corned beef, finely chopped
- 1 head Green cabbage, quartered and blanched
- 1 Red or green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For The Sauce
- 1 can Tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 can Beer (12 oz)
- ½ Beef bouillon cube
- 2 tablespoons Spicy brown mustard
Additional Ingredients:
- Flour for dusting
- Butter for greasing the dish.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all our ingredients, it’s time to begin making these delicious Irish cabbage rolls. Follow these step-by-step instructions and soon you’ll be enjoying a hearty and flavorful Irish meal.
Prep the Cabbage Leaves
Start by carefully removing the cabbage leaves from the head of cabbage. Be sure to remove the spine of the leaf so it’s easier to roll. To do this, bring a large pot of water to a boil then blanch the cabbage leaves for about 3 minutes. This will make the leaves pliable for rolling.
Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, corned beef, cooked brown rice, finely diced onion, celery, and garlic. Add one beaten egg and mix well to combine. Season with black pepper and set aside.
Make the Guiness Mustard Sauce
In another bowl, whisk together â…“ cup of beer (Guinness works great), 2 tablespoons of mustard (we recommend spicy brown), 1 tablespoon of flour, and 1 beef bouillon cube until well combined. Set aside.
Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
Take one cabbage leaf and place about 1/4-1/3 cup filling onto each cabbage leaf (depending on how large it is). Fold in both sides of the cabbage leaf and then tightly roll up from the bottom to create a secure seam at the top. Repeat until all filling is used up.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your rolled cabbage leaves into a deep baking dish seam side down. Pour over your tomato sauce (or substitute with Guinness mustard sauce) over each roll. Cover your dish with aluminum foil then bake in your preheated oven for about an hour, or until an internal thermometer inserted in one stuffed cabbage reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
Once the cabbage rolls are done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These hearty Irish cabbage rolls are perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration or any other special occasions. Serve them with some potatoes to make it even more of a traditional Irish dish. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
While this Irish cabbage rolls recipe is already bursting with flavor, you may want to add your own personal touch to it. Luckily, there are a few ingredient substitutions and variations that you can try out:
– Vegetarian/Vegan Cabbage Rolls: If you’re looking for a vegan or vegetarian option, simply omit the meat from the recipe and replace it with cooked lentils, mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein. Alternatively, you could use tofu or tempeh as a meat substitute.
– Lamb Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: For a truly decadent twist on this classic dish, simply replace the ground beef with cooked lamb. The rich, bold flavor of lamb pairs perfectly with the cabbage and tomato sauce.
– Irish Cabbage Roll Potato Casserole: Create a hearty side dish or main course by combining the cabbage leaves with boiled and mashed potatoes. Layer the mixture into a casserole dish and bake until golden brown.
– Corned Beef Cabbage Wraps: Instead of stuffing the cabbage leaves with ground beef, try swapping it out for corned beef. This will give the rolls an extra savory flavor and make them perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
– Guiness Mustard Sauce: Want to take your Irish cabbage rolls up a notch? Simply add some spicy brown mustard and Guiness beer to your tomato sauce mixture to create an irresistible sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
Whether you’re looking for a meat-free alternative or ways to spice up this already delicious recipe, these substitutions and variations are sure to infuse your Irish cabbage rolls with new and exciting flavors that you’ll want to come back to time and time again.
Serving and Pairing
Welcome to the serving and pairing section of this delicious Irish Cabbage Rolls recipe. Once you’ve made these hearty and flavorful cabbage rolls, it’s time to think about how you’ll serve them up and what to pair them with.
You have a few options when it comes to serving these delicious cabbage rolls. One classic way is to smother them in a rich tomato sauce, which will complement the flavors of the corned beef and savory beef filling. You may also opt for a Guinness mustard sauce or any spicy brown mustard sauce that will give these rolls a rich and tangy flavor.
When it comes to pairing, the sky’s the limit. For a traditional Irish meal, you may want to serve your cabbage rolls alongside potatoes – mashed or roasted – and some boiled carrots or parsnips. A nice slice of Irish soda bread fresh from the oven would also be a wonderful accompaniment.
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, try pairing these cabbage rolls with a simple mixed green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or a light beer such as an IPA or hefeweizen. The hop flavors in the beer will match perfectly with the savory notes in the dish.
In conclusion, these Irish Cabbage Rolls are versatile and can be paired suitably with various accompaniments. Let your creativity flow while serving up this incredible dish that is sure to have your family and friends coming back for more!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Preparing meals ahead of time can save you time and energy when it comes to mealtime. Luckily, Irish Cabbage Rolls are a great dish to make ahead of time! You can prepare them the night before or even a few days in advance. The only thing left to do is to store and reheat them properly.
To store your Irish Cabbage Rolls, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. If you have leftovers, make sure to reheat them promptly and store them properly.
Here are some tips for reheating your cabbage rolls:
1. Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cabbage rolls in a baking dish. Add a small amount of water or beef broth to keep the cabbage rolls moist, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
2. Stovetop Method: Place the cabbage rolls in a saucepan and add a small amount of water or beef broth to prevent sticking. Cover with a lid and heat over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
3. Microwave Method: Place the cabbage rolls on a microwavable plate and cover them with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Just remember that reheated cabbage rolls may lose some of their texture and flavor, but they will still be delicious nonetheless! Enjoy your Irish Cabbage Rolls anytime with these storage and reheating tips.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making Irish cabbage rolls, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the perfect results every time. From preparing the cabbage leaves to cooking the filling, here are some tips that will make your dish stand out.
Firstly, it is important to properly prepare the cabbage leaves before stuffing them. To do this, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the cabbage leaves for a few minutes until they are softened. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll without breaking.
Secondly, when making the filling for your Irish cabbage rolls, be sure to sauté your vegetables before mixing with meat or rice. Sautéing onions, celery, and green peppers will bring out their natural flavors, creating an even tastier dish.
Thirdly, I suggest using a combination of beef and corned beef for the filling. The ground beef adds the necessary texture while corned beef gives that classic Irish flavor. Be sure to also include some cooked brown rice for added heartiness and texture.
Fourthly, for an extra burst of flavor, add some shredded potatoes to your filling mix. This not only adds a unique texture but also complements the other flavors in the dish perfectly.
Fifthly, top your Irish cabbage rolls with a sauce made from spicy brown mustard and Guinness beer. This rich and tangy sauce perfectly complements the savory flavors of the cabbage rolls.
Lastly, use a baking dish that is just large enough to hold all of your Irish cabbage rolls to prevent them from falling apart during cooking. Cover tightly with foil during baking to ensure that they cook evenly.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make perfect Irish cabbage rolls every time that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Irish Cabbage Rolls Recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy traditional Irish cuisine. Incorporating delicious ingredients such as corned beef, spicy brown mustard and beer, this dish is full of flavor and sure to impress your guests. With the added benefit of being customizable with substitutions and variations, you can make it your own and craft a dish that works best for you.
Moreover, its versatility makes it a great option to serve as a standalone entree or alongside other Irish favorites like potatoes or lamb stuffed cabbage. And with the make-ahead, storing and reheating tips provided in this recipe article, you can easily prepare this dish in advance for special occasions like St Patrick’s Day.
Overall, I couldn’t recommend this recipe more highly for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious taste of Ireland. So why not whip up some Irish cabbage rolls today and give your taste buds a treat they won’t forget!
Irish Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 cabbage leaves, blanched
- 1 lb corned beef, roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 stalk celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 egg, beaten slightly
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- 1 (12 ounce) can beer
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place corned beef in a food processor and chop finely, remove.
- Add onion and celery and finely chop.
- In a bowl, combine egg, rice and mustard.
- Mix in corned beef, onion, and celery.
- Place 1/2 cup on each cabbage leaf and roll up tucking in ends and place seam seam side down in a 13x9 inch baking pan.
- Dissolve bouillon in boiling water, add beer and pour over cabbage rolls.
- Cover tightly and bake 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove from oven and pour out 1 cup of liquid.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, stir and cook over low heat 1 minute.
- Add liquid, increase heat to medium high, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
- Pour over cabbage rolls and serve with additional mustard.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.