Delightful Stuffed Red Cabbage Balls: A Vegetarian Culinary Treasure

A Colorful and Nutritious Comfort Food

Prepare to transform the humble red cabbage into a star of the dinner table! These Stuffed Red Cabbage Balls are a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Vibrant, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying, this recipe turns everyday vegetables into a mouthwatering dish that will surprise and delight everyone at the table. Perfect for vegetarians, health-conscious eaters, and anyone looking to add more colorful vegetables to their diet.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Balls

• Red Cabbage: 350 g (12.3 oz)
• Potatoes: 200 g (7 oz)
• Garlic: 1 clove
• Red Onion: 50 g (1.8 oz)
• Egg: 1 large
• Breadcrumbs: 100 g (3.5 oz)
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g)
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste
• Cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz)
• Cooking Oil: As needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Prepare Vegetables:
   • Finely shred the red cabbage
   • Peel and dice the potatoes
   • Mince the garlic
   • Finely chop the red onion
2. Cook Potatoes:
   • Boil the diced potatoes until tender
   • Drain and mash thoroughly

Making the Cabbage Balls

3. Sauté Vegetables:
   • Heat a small amount of oil in a pan
   • Sauté the shredded cabbage, garlic, and red onion until softened
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine:
     • Mashed potatoes
     • Sautéed cabbage mixture
     • Egg
     • Breadcrumbs
     • Paprika
     • Salt and pepper
5. Add Cheese:
   • Grate or crumble the cheese
   • Fold into the cabbage mixture
6. Form Balls:
   • Using wet hands, form the mixture into uniform balls
   • If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs

Cooking

7. Prepare for Cooking:
   • Heat oil in a large skillet
   • Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking
8. Fry the Balls:
   • Carefully place the cabbage balls in the hot oil
   • Fry until golden brown on all sides
   • Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for 20-25 minutes

Serving

Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a side of yogurt dip.

Nutritional Information

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 12g

Cooking Time and Preparation

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Pro Cooking Tips

• Ensure potatoes are well-mashed to help bind the balls
• Use cold ingredients to help the balls hold their shape
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying
• Let the balls rest for a few minutes after cooking to set

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Alternatives:
  • Use feta for a tangier flavor
  • Try nutritional yeast for a vegan option
• Breadcrumb Variations:
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • Try panko for extra crispiness
• Additional Flavors:
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill
  • Incorporate spices like cumin or smoked paprika

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form balls in advance. Refrigerate until ready to cook.

Are These Suitable for Vegans?

Replace the egg with a flax egg and use vegan cheese to make them vegan-friendly.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.

Can I Freeze These Cabbage Balls?

Yes, freeze uncooked balls between layers of parchment paper for up to 1 month.

What Can I Serve with These?

Great with a fresh salad, yogurt dip, or as part of a vegetable mezze platter.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked balls for up to 1 month
• Reheating: Warm in the oven to maintain crispiness

Embrace the vibrant flavors and nutritious goodness of these Stuffed Red Cabbage Balls—a dish that proves vegetarian cooking can be exciting, delicious, and utterly satisfying!