Luxurious Stuffed Cabbage Croquettes with Dual Sauces

These golden-brown cabbage croquettes combine the comfort of traditional cabbage rolls with the elegance of French croquettes. Featuring a savory meat and rice filling wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, these crispy delights are served with both a rich tomato sauce and a creamy garlic-dill sauce.

Prep Time & Duration

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 croquettes

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Layer

• 600g (21 oz) cabbage
• 3 eggs
• 3 tablespoons flour
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Filling

• ½ cup basmati rice
• 500g (17.6 oz) mixed minced meat (pork and beef)
• 50g (1.7 oz) butter
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian herb mixture
• ½ tablespoon paprika
• Fresh parsley and dill, chopped
• Black pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce

• 50g (1.7 oz) butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 500ml (2 cups) water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried garlic
• ½ teaspoon dried onion
• 3 bay leaves

For the Garlic-Dill Sauce

• 4 tablespoons sour cream
• Fresh dill, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Rice

1. Cook rice in 1 cup hot water until tender
2. Set aside to cool

Prepare the Cabbage

1. Chop cabbage finely
2. Mix with eggs, flour, and salt
3. Let rest for 10 minutes

Make the Filling

1. Sauté in butter:

• Chopped onions
• Grated carrot
• Minced garlic

1. Add minced meat and cook until browned
2. Season with:

• Italian herbs
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

1. Mix in cooked rice and fresh herbs

Form the Croquettes

1. Take portions of cabbage mixture
2. Create a pocket in each
3. Fill with meat mixture
4. Form into oval shapes

Frying

1. Heat oil in a large pan
2. Fry croquettes until golden brown
3. Drain on paper towels

Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Melt butter and add flour
2. Add tomato paste and water
3. Season with:

• Salt
• Dried garlic and onion
• Bay leaves

1. Simmer until thickened

Prepare Garlic-Dill Sauce

1. Mix sour cream with:

• Chopped dill
• Minced garlic
• Salt

Professional Tips

• Keep oil temperature consistent for even browning
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying
• Test one croquette first to check seasoning
• Make ahead and reheat in oven

Nutrition Information (per croquette)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Iron: 2mg

Storage & Reheating

• Store in airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C)
• Sauces keep separately for up to 5 days

Serving Suggestions

• As main course with both sauces
• As appetizers for parties
• With fresh green salad
• As part of a buffet spread

These croquettes offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors:

• Crispy exterior
• Tender cabbage layer
• Savory meat filling
• Complementary sauces

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Special occasions
• Make-ahead meals
• Party appetizers

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, combining traditional flavors with modern presentation.