Cabbage, Ground Beef and Brown Rice Mediterranean Style

Ingredients:

1 small cabbage, cut into large pieces
Salt
3/4 cup uncooked brown rice (1 ½ cup cooked brown rice)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
450 g lean ground beef (or turkey)
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (400 g) canned chopped tomatoes
1 can (400 g) tomato sauce (tomato puree)
1 cup water

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the coarsely chopped cabbage and cook until bright green and tender, 5–7 minutes. Transfer the cooked cabbage to a colander and bring the water back to a boil in the pot.
2. When the water returns to a boil, add a large pinch of salt. Add the uncooked brown rice and stir. Cook until the rice is tender (but not too tender, about 30 minutes). Strain the rice through a fine sieve and set aside.
3. Clean the pot and return to medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil and heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring constantly, for 3–4 minutes (until lightly browned). Add the garlic and ground beef. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon. Increase the heat and cook until the meat is completely browned. Stir occasionally. Carefully skim off any excess fat and return to the heat. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the cabbage, brown rice, chopped herbs and spices. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Add the diced canned tomatoes, tomato sauce (puree) and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer until the rice has absorbed some of the liquid (15-20 minutes).
6. Ladle into bowls and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

Yield: 6 servings
Recipe: themediterraneandish.com