Greek comfort food that is perfect for the cooler weather. Serve it with some feta and enjoy it as a vegetarian main course. The sweetness of the cabbage also goes so well with meat and fish that it can easily be the perfect side to any main course. I love this dish because it is flavorful, inexpensive to make, and such a versatile recipe. Add ground meat, nuts, and dried fruit to create different versions of this wonderful classic.
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Lahanorizo: Greek Cabbage with Rice
Greek comfort food that is perfect for the cooler weather. Serve it with some feta and enjoy it as a vegetarian main course. The sweetness of the cabbage also goes so well with meat and fish that it can easily be the perfect side to any main course. I love this dish because it is flavorful, inexpensive to make, and such a versatile recipe. Add ground meat, nuts, and dried fruit to create different versions of this wonderful classic.
Ingredients
- ½-3/4 cup olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 leek, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomatoes, pureed
- 1 cabbage, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 1 cup of water
Garnish:
- Juice of a lemon
- Feta cheese
- Finely chopped parsley
Optional Add-ins:
- 1-pound ground beef
- ½ cup golden raisins or dried cranberries soaked in hot water until soft
- ½ cup toasted almonds or pine nuts
Instructions
- Cook the onion, leek, and olive oil over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until soft and golden.
- Add the garlic and warm through. Add the tomato sauce.
- Add the carrots, cabbage, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cabbage wilts. About 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add the rice, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a cup of water. Bring to a boil, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and add the lemon juice with the parsley.
- Top with the raisins and almonds. Serve with feta cheese. Enjoy!
- If you are cooking this dish with ground meat, add it at the beginning right after the garlic. Cook the meat with the tomato sauce for 10 minutes then, follow the remaining steps.
I never thought it was going to be so delicious. Absolutely loved it. Thank you for sharing your recipe.I am always amazed how simplicity and the right combination of certain ingredients can create such amazing flavours. The more Greek recipes I try the more I love the cusine.