Ah, farcellets de col! 🥬🇫🇷 These are a classic Catalan/French-style dish—basically cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory mixture of meat and sometimes rice or vegetables. Here’s a clear breakdown:
Farcellets de Col (Cabbage Rolls)
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 large cabbage (green or Savoy)
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- ½ cup cooked rice (optional, traditional in some recipes)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika or smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper
- 1–2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or bay leaf)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare cabbage leaves
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Separate the cabbage leaves and blanch for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Drain and let cool slightly.
2️⃣ Make the filling
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Mix with ground meat, cooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Assemble rolls
- Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf.
- Fold sides over and roll tightly like a burrito.
4️⃣ Cook
- Place rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over the rolls, sprinkle with herbs.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes until meat is cooked through.
Tips
- Add a splash of broth or wine to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
- Top with grated cheese near the end for a richer version.
- Can be made ahead and reheated—the flavors improve overnight.
If you want, I can also give you a slow-cooker version or a traditional Catalan recipe with sausage and herbs for an extra authentic taste. Do you want me to do that?
