Winter in Egypt, 2024 - Cabbage Rolls for Dinner

While visiting at a friend's home nearby, we were invited to stay for dinner.  We accepted the invitation and had the opportunity to watch stuffed cabbage rolls, Egyptian style, being prepared.

First you need a cabbage.  They seem to come in what we would call "extra large" size here. Linda describes them as "way larger than a human head".

Our friend, Samia, peeled away the leaves in preparation. After peeling the leaves she boiled them.

Next you need some stuffing.  A mixture of tomato, rice and some spices are mixed and partially cooked. I know the stuffing was partially cooked because I was offered a spoonful to taste. I described the rice as al dente.

Then you need a rolling team.  Once assembled, the group got to work.  You can watch the process via the YouTube video below. The smaller hands on the right side are the hands of a teenage girl who is not nearly as fast as the older, more experienced ladies.

 

 

Then the rolls are cooked until tender.  The final product is served along with (very fresh) fried chicken and pita bread in a delightful combination on the platter. The pile you see was meant for just the two of us. The five family members, eating near us on the floor, had their own enormous pile. We did not empty our platter but neither did the family.  There was plenty left for another day.

  

 

Stuffed vegetables are a favorite "at home" food here.  Zucchini, bell peppers, cabbage leaves, grape leaves, eggplants can all be served this way; each family has their own blend of secret spices to make the perfect result. We've tasted cabbage rolls from numerous households and we've enjoyed every one of them. They certainly go down easily and are so easy to overeat. We did not leave hungry!