If you think that delicious cabbage rolls require hours at the stove, you are wrong. Lazy cabbage rolls are a dish that has won over even skeptics.
Chef Gordon Ramsay once said in an interview with The Guardian : “Sometimes simplicity is the key to excellence.” This quote perfectly describes the essence of the recipe, which combines tradition and modern trends.
Bon Appétit magazine included lazy cabbage rolls in the top 10 dishes for family dinners, calling them “the perfect balance between heartiness and lightness.”
A success story without extra effort
The idea of a simplified version of cabbage rolls originated in Soviet cuisine, where speed and availability of ingredients were the main criteria. However, today this dish has found a second life thanks to social networks.
Food blogger Anna Ivanova , whose account has a million subscribers, admits: "I cook them every week. The kids ask for more, and I save time."
Ingredients: minimum rules, maximum taste
The basis of the recipe is minced meat and cabbage. Experts recommend combining pork and beef (1:1 ratio) for juiciness. But minced chicken is suitable for those who watch their calories.
It is better to choose young cabbage - its leaves are more tender. Traditionally, long-grain rice is used, but quinoa or bulgur will add originality.
The process: from minced meat to aromatic sauce
Start by chopping the cabbage finely. It's important not to overdo it: too large pieces will ruin the texture.
Mix minced meat, boiled rice, cabbage, egg and spices. Salt, pepper and a pinch of paprika are classic. Form small patties or balls.
For the sauce, fry the carrots and onions, add tomato paste diluted with broth.
Chef-expert Oleg Tinkov advises in his book “Simple Food”: “A drop of cream will soften the acidity of the tomatoes.” Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls and simmer for 25–30 minutes over low heat.
Submission and Experimentation
The dish goes well with sour cream and greens. Chef Yulia Vysotskaya suggested serving it with grain bread and pickled vegetables in the program " Eat at Home ". For a Mediterranean accent, add olives and basil to the mince.
Opinions and Reviews: Why It Works
User Tatyana on the culinary forum " Let's Cook Together " shares: "I tried lazy cabbage rolls for the first time at my friend's. Now they are our favorite."
Restaurant critic Artemy Lebedev noted in his blog: “The dish demonstrates how minimalism can be sophisticated.”
Conclusion: Why it's worth a try
Lazy cabbage rolls are not a compromise, but a smart approach to cooking. They prove that delicious does not mean complicated.
As Food & Wine writes, "This recipe deserves a place in the collection of anyone who values time without compromising on taste."
Try it and you will see that traditions can be rethought.
