Cabbage-Wrapped Meatballs with Yellow Rice

To complete the meal, the meatballs are served with fragrant yellow rice, enriched with turmeric, butter and sweet raisins. The rice adds colour and a touch of sweetness, which complements the savoury richness of the meatballs perfectly.

Although the recipe looks impressive, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. It makes a great family dinner, yet is elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. The cabbage parcels keep the meatballs moist while baking, and the onion relish turns into a glossy sauce that ties everything together.

This recipe serves six, making it ideal for feeding a crowd, and the leftovers taste just as good reheated. If you’re looking for a wholesome, warming dish with a touch of South African flair, this cabbage-wrapped meatball recipe is one to try.

Ingredients for Cabbage-Wrapped Meatballs with Yellow Rice

For the meatballs

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 1kg lamb mince (preferably free-range)
• 10g fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons spice mix (11-in-1 or equivalent)
• 1 large white cabbage
• 1 x 400g jar sweet onion relish
• Water (to rinse the relish jar)

For the yellow rice

• 300g basmati rice, rinsed
• 3 cups water
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 100g raisins
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt, to taste

Directions to Make Cabbage-Wrapped Meatballs with Yellow Rice

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan and sauté the diced onion with a pinch of salt until soft and lightly golden. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
3. Transfer the onion mixture to a large mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly. Add lamb mince, parsley, spice mix, salt and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
4. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Carefully separate cabbage leaves and blanch them for 1 minute until pliable. Drain and pat dry.
5. Spread onion relish over the base of an ovenproof dish. Half-fill the empty jar with water, shake, and pour into the dish to loosen the relish.
6. Shape the mince mixture into balls slightly larger than golf balls. Wrap each ball tightly in a cabbage leaf and place seam-side down in the dish. Pack them snugly together.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, basting with sauce if needed to prevent over-browning.
8. While the meatballs bake, prepare the rice. Place rice, water, turmeric, raisins, butter and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.
9. Serve the cabbage-wrapped meatballs hot with yellow rice on the side.

How to Prepare

Start with the onion base for the meatballs and cook until soft and golden to bring out the sweetness. Mixing this into the lamb mince with parsley and spices ensures every bite is fragrant and flavourful.

Blanching the cabbage leaves is key: boiling water softens them so they fold easily without tearing. Use the largest leaves for easier wrapping.

Baking the meatballs in onion relish creates a glossy sauce. Be sure to pack the cabbage parcels tightly in the dish so they don’t unravel while baking.

The yellow rice is simple: just combine all ingredients in one pot, cover, and let it steam gently. The raisins add a burst of sweetness that balances the savoury meatballs.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings

Serves 6

FAQs

Can I use beef mince instead of lamb?

Yes, beef or even chicken mince works well, though lamb gives the richest flavour.

How do I stop the cabbage leaves from tearing?

Blanch them briefly until soft and pliable. If a leaf tears, overlap two smaller ones to cover the meatball.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the cabbage-wrapped meatballs a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze cabbage-wrapped meatballs?

Yes. Freeze uncooked parcels, then defrost and bake when needed. Cooked leftovers can also be frozen.

What sides go well with this dish?

Apart from yellow rice, you can serve it with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.

Conclusion

This recipe for cabbage-wrapped meatballs with yellow rice is a wonderful example of comfort food with a twist. Tender lamb mince parcels are wrapped in cabbage, baked in a rich onion relish sauce, and paired with fragrant turmeric rice dotted with sweet raisins. It’s hearty, satisfying and full of flavour. Despite its elegant presentation, the recipe is straightforward and makes use of everyday ingredients. The cabbage adds a rustic charm and keeps the meatballs juicy, while the rice provides the perfect base to soak up the sauce.

It’s a dish that works beautifully for a family dinner, yet is also impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can swap the mince, vary the spices, or even add extra vegetables to the filling. If you’re searching for a recipe that combines comfort, nourishment and a touch of flair, this cabbage-wrapped meatball dish is a must-try. Once you’ve made it, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.

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