My grandmother used to spend all day making her Old World cabbage rolls stuffed with ground beef, onions, rice, and raisins. We all loved them, but I don’t have the time or the patience to do it her way. Feel free to substitute chopped mushrooms in place of the ground meat for a vegetarian version. Hope you enjoy my take on this heirloom recipe!

　　

Ingredients

serves 2

　　Olive oil spray

　　1/4 cup hulled or pearl barley

　　Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

　　6 to 8 intact green cabbage leaves

　　One 14-ounce can diced tomatoes

　　Juice of 1 lemon

　　1 tablespoon light brown sugar, optional

　　1 large egg

　　1/2 medium onion, chopped

　　1 carrot, grated or minced

　　1/2 to 3/4 pound ground turkey or beef

　　1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

　　1 to 3 garlic cloves, minced

　　1/4 cup raisins, optional

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

　　

Step 2

Spray the inside and lid of a cast-iron Dutch oven with olive oil.

　　

Step 3

Using a strainer, rinse the barley under cold water. Pour the barley into the pot along with 1/2 cup water. Lightly season with salt and pepper.

　　

Step 4

Arrange a layer of cabbage leaves on top of the barley.

　　

Step 5

Drain the tomatoes into a small bowl. Stir the lemon juice into the tomato liquid, add the sugar if desired, and lightly season with salt and pepper.

　　

Step 6

Gently beat the egg in a medium mixing bowl. Add the onion, carrot, turkey, parsley, and garlic; mix well. Fold in the tomatoes and lightly season with salt and pepper.

　　

Step 7

Drop in half of the ground meat mixture by forkfuls, making an even layer. Pour in half of the tomato juice mixture evenly. Sprinkle with the raisins, if using.

　　

Step 8

Add a layer of cabbage leaves and the rest of the meat mixture. Cover with any leftover cabbage leaves and pour the rest of the tomato juice mixture over all.

　　

Step 9

Cover and bake for 45 minutes, or until 3 minutes after the aroma of a fully cooked meal escapes the oven. Serve immediately.

　　

nutrition information

Step 10

Calories: 350

　　

Step 11

Protein: 20g

　　

Step 12

Carbohydrates: 55g

　　

Step 13

Fat: 8g

　　

Step 14

Cholesterol: 144mg

　　

Step 15

Sodium: 525mg

　　

Step 16

Fiber: 7g

　　Glorious One-Pot Meals