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Malfouf Mahshi

Savoring Malfouf Mahshi: Heartfelt Lebanese Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Malfouf Mahshi is a wonderful Lebanese dish featuring stuffed cabbage rolls filled with savory meat and rice.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 rolls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Lebanese
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Cabbage Rolls
  • 1 head Cabbage Choose large heads for the best size.
  • 1 cup Short Grain Rice Ideal for absorbing flavors.
  • 0.5 kg Ground Beef/Lamb Lean beef is a great alternative.
  • 1 tsp Salt Essential for enhancing flavor.
  • 1 tsp Seven Spice A unique blend for depth.
  • 0.5 tsp Cinnamon Use sparingly to avoid overpowering.
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground for best flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Brings richness to the rolls.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Concentrate Adds moisture and sweetness.
  • 1 bulb Garlic Infuses the dish beautifully.
For the Brine
  • 4 cups Brine (Water, Salt, Lemon) Adjust to taste.
  • 2 tbsp Pomegranate Molasses Offers a sweet and tangy finish.
For the Garnish
  • 1 tbsp Dried Mint Fresh mint is a good substitute.

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Large Bowl
  • Cooking spoon

Method
 

How to Make Malfouf Mahshi
  1. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves, blanching them in boiling water for about 5 minutes until soft.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, short grain rice, salt, seven spice, black pepper, cinnamon, olive oil, and tomato concentrate. Mix everything well.
  3. In a pot, mix water, salt, and lemon juice to create a flavorful brine. Taste and adjust to your liking.
  4. Take a spoonful of the filling and place it on each cabbage leaf. Roll tightly, folding in the sides.
  5. Neatly stack the stuffed rolls in a pot, layering garlic pieces between the rolls.
  6. Pour the brine over the rolls and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer, adding olive oil and pomegranate molasses. Cook for about 1 hour.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Optional: Serve with a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness. Consider making Malfouf Mahshi a day prior for flavors to deepen.

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