When you know one dish that can immediately enclose you in a feeling of comfort and warmth, that is Kaalikääryleet, Finland mainstream packed cabbage rolls. They are sturdy, satisfying and intensely nostalgic, an expression of comfort food that takes you back to the snug kitchens, a frosty night in winter, and back to the warmth of something delightful baking in an oven.
Although it might seem that nothing special is going on in these cabbage rolls, centuries of tradition come with them. Kaalikääryleet in Finland are associated with home-style cooking, and are usually cooked to be served during family dinners, holidays, and even during a simple weekend meal. The food dates back to the 18th century, when Central and Eastern Europe had an impact on Finland. Finns modified the recipe, adding their ingredients as they went along, usually to sweeten the rolls a bit by serving syrup or lingonberry jam with it on the side
It is the kind of meal which is even more tasty the next (or the following) day when all these tastes are combined in all this beauty.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of white cabbage (use a cabbage with floppy leaves; an alternative: Savoy cabbage is also good)
- 400 g (approximately 14 ) ground beef or pork (or you can combine both to make the taste stronger
For a lighter version, use ground chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian alternative, try lentils or chopped mushrooms instead.
- 1 cup cooked rice (barley, quinoa or bulgur to replace variety of texture)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp of butter (use olive oil to get that homemade taste without the calories)
- 1 egg (will help bind filling; can be omitted or substituted to make vegan with flax egg)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp dark syrup (molasses-like) (substitute: honey or maple syrup)
- 2 cups beef or vegetable stock
Instructions
Step 1: Put a lot of water in a boiler. Carefully add the cabbage to the pot and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes. Gently peel off the leaves one by one, trying not to tear them. Set aside about 12–15 large, flexible leaves for rolling
Step 2:If you haven’t already, cook the rice until just tender. This will be part of your filling
Step 3: Melt the butter in a pan and soften the onion, and mix it till golden
Mix the sauteed onion and cooked rice with the ground meat, the egg, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend well till you get a thorough mix
Step 4: Spoon about two tablespoons of filling onto the middle of a cabbage leaf. Neatly tuck in the sides, then roll firmly to create a snug little parcel
Repeat till all filling is applied
Step 5: Set the oven to preheat to 175 °C (350°F). Lay the rolls with the seam down in a baking dish
Pour the stock on them and drizzle with dark syrup to get that touch of sweetness that is typically Finnish
Step 6: Seal the dish in foil and put it into the oven, and bake for 1 hour
Then take off the foil and brush the rolls with the stock and bake again for 30 minutes until well-browned.
Serving Tips
- Kaalikääryleet is usually served with lingonberry jam; the sweet, aromatic fruit complements the meaty and cabbage goodness
- Serve it with a dollop of mashed potatoes on the side; it is the ultimate comfort meal
- To keep it light, have it with a crisp green salad and bread made of rye.
Precautions
- Don’t rush the cabbage boiling step – if the leaves are too stiff, they’ll tear when rolling
- Use enough stock – this keeps the rolls juicy and prevents them from drying out in the oven
- Make-ahead friendly – they taste even better reheated, so don’t worry about making them a day in advance
More About Kaalikaaryleet
Kaalikääryleet is not a meal, but it is comfort on the Finnish plate. The pitiful cabbage leaves, the salty filling and that sweetness on top, with each bite can speak a tale of comfort and nostalgia. To be sure, they are worth all the trouble you make them either during a special holiday or simply to fill the kitchen with the warm, luscious smells
Therefore, when you feel like the next time you want something rich, warm and nurturing, then allow a pot of Kaalikääryleet to bring the comfort of Finland to your dining table.
