Cabbage Meatballs with Rice and Tartar Sauce Recipe

Indulge in the perfect blend of flavors with our cabbage meatballs with rice and tartar sauce recipe. This dish combines the heartiness of meatballs with the subtle sweetness of cabbage, complemented by a creamy, tangy tartar sauce. It’s a delightful meal that will impress any dinner table.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
1 small cabbage (about 2 cups, finely shredded)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked rice
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Tartar Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
1 teaspoon capers, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

Fresh dill for garnish
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Preparing the Meatballs:

Cook the Rice: Begin by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside to cool.
Prepare the Cabbage: Finely shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or a food processor. Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl.
Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In the bowl with the cabbage, add the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked rice, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika, ground cumin, and chopped parsley. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Form the Meatballs: With wet hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs.
Fry the Meatballs: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes per batch. Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Tartar Sauce:

Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill pickle relish, chopped capers, Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh dill.
Season: Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving the Dish:

Plate the Meatballs: Arrange the cooked meatballs on a serving platter.
Add the Sauce: Serve the meatballs with a generous side of tartar sauce.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges.
Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.

Tips for Making Perfect Cabbage Meatballs

Choosing the Right Meat:

For the best flavor and texture, we recommend using a combination of ground beef and pork. This blend ensures that the meatballs are juicy and flavorful. However, feel free to use any ground meat of your choice, including chicken or turkey for a lighter option.

Shredding the Cabbage:

Finely shredding the cabbage is crucial for the texture of the meatballs. A food processor can make this task quick and easy. Ensure that the cabbage is evenly shredded to avoid large chunks in the meatballs.

Cooking the Rice:

Make sure the rice is fully cooked and cooled before adding it to the meatball mixture. This helps to bind the meatballs together and adds a pleasant texture.

Frying the Meatballs:

Frying the meatballs in batches ensures they cook evenly and maintain their shape. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lead to uneven cooking and soggy meatballs. If you prefer a healthier option, you can also bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Perfecting the Tartar Sauce:

The tartar sauce can be adjusted to your taste. If you like a tangier sauce, add more lemon juice. For extra crunch, increase the amount of dill pickle relish. Fresh herbs make a significant difference, so use fresh dill whenever possible.

Nutritional Information

For the Meatballs (per serving, 4 meatballs):

Calories: 350
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 600mg

For the Tartar Sauce (per tablespoon):

Calories: 90
Protein: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fat: 9g
Sodium: 150mg

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Variations:

Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Meatballs: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, into the meatball mixture for a gooey, cheesy surprise.
Herb-Infused Meatballs: Experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions:

Over Pasta: Serve the cabbage meatballs over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta, drizzled with marinara sauce.
With Mashed Potatoes: Pair the meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a comforting meal.
In a Sandwich: Create a delicious meatball sub with crusty bread, lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of tartar sauce.

Conclusion

Our cabbage meatballs with rice and tartar sauce offer a delightful twist on traditional meatballs. The combination of tender, flavorful meatballs and tangy tartar sauce creates a memorable dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, main course, or part of a larger meal, these meatballs are sure to impress.