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Cabbage Rolls — traditional dish from Helsinki, Finland
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥500kcal
💪30gProtein
🌾40gCarbs
🥑20gFat
🌿5gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten

Also served in

Cabbage Rolls

How to order / say it
Say it Kaalikääryleet — [KAH-lee-KAH-ryleh-et]
Order I'd like the cabbage rolls, please.
Locally Haluaisin kaalikääryleet, kiitos.
Say locally

Cabbage leaves stuffed with a filling of meat and grains.

Why try it?

Kaalikääryleet symbolize traditional Finnish home cooking, reflecting the country's fondness for hearty, comforting meals. They are often enjoyed during holidays and family gatherings, showcasing a communal spirit.

How it tastes

These rolls offer a mix of savory and mildly sweet flavors, with a tender cabbage exterior and a flavorful meat filling. Often, they are braised to ensure a moist and umami-rich experience.

Origin & History — first documented: 1750

Introduced in the 18th century, Finnish cabbage rolls evolved from Eastern European influences. They became popular due to local cabbage farming and the adaptability of recipes for various fillings, solidifying their place in Finnish cuisine.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🥕 8 leaves cabbage leaves
  • 🥩 250 g ground beef
  • 🌾 100 g rice
  • 🧄 1, chopped onion
  • 🥛 50 g butter
  • 🍯 1 tbsp sugar

Method

  1. 1 Blanch cabbage leaves in boiling water until soft.
  2. 2 Mix beef, rice, chopped onion, and seasonings.
  3. 3 Fill each cabbage leaf with the meat mixture and roll tightly.
  4. 4 Place rolls in a baking dish, dot with butter, and bake at 180°C for 30 minutes.

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All Europe recipes — Finland — Helsinki — Cabbage Rolls
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