I have always been a big fan of cabbage rolls. The combination of tender cabbage leaves and flavorful filling is just too good to resist. However, preparing cabbage rolls can sometimes be a bit time-consuming, especially when it comes to boiling the cabbage leaves. But fear not! I have discovered a quick and easy way to microwave cabbage for perfect cabbage rolls, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Why Microwave Cabbage?
Microwaving cabbage has several advantages over the traditional boiling method. First and foremost, it saves you a significant amount of time. Instead of waiting for a pot of water to boil and then having to carefully remove the leaves one by one, microwaving allows you to soften the cabbage leaves in a matter of minutes. It is a much more efficient method, especially when you are short on time.
The Preparation
Before you start microwaving the cabbage, you need to do some preparation. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Remove the core: Start by removing the core of the cabbage. This can be done by cutting a deep cone-shaped incision in the center of the cabbage and pulling out the core.Wash the cabbage: Rinse the cabbage thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel.Loosen the leaves: Gently loosen the outer leaves of the cabbage to make it easier to separate them later. This can be done by pressing on the cabbage with the palm of your hand and rolling it back and forth a few times.Microwaving the Cabbage
Once you have prepared the cabbage, it’s time to start microwaving. Here’s how you can do it:
Place the cabbage in a microwave-safe dish: Choose a dish that is large enough to accommodate the entire cabbage. Make sure it has a lid or cover that can be used to trap steam.Add some water: Pour a small amount of water into the dish, about 1/4 of an inch deep. This will create steam, which will help soften the cabbage leaves.Cover the dish: Place the lid or cover on top of the dish. If your dish doesn’t have a lid, you can cover it with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe plate.Microwave on high: Set your microwave to the highest power setting and microwave the cabbage for 5 minutes.Check for doneness: Carefully remove the lid or cover, taking care to avoid being burned by the hot steam. Gently separate the outermost leaves of the cabbage. They should be soft and pliable. If they are still firm, cover the dish and microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes.Removing the Leaves
Once the cabbage leaves are soft and pliable, you can easily remove them from the head. Here’s how:
Peel off the leaves: Starting from the outside, carefully peel off one cabbage leaf at a time. If you encounter any leaves that are still tough or firm, you can return them to the microwave for another minute or two to soften them further.Trim the thick parts: Trim away the thick part of the rib from each leaf, as it can make rolling the cabbage rolls more difficult. You can either use a sharp knife or simply fold the leaf in half and use kitchen shears to cut away the rib.Using the Microwaved Cabbage for Cabbage Rolls
Once you have successfully microwaved and prepared the cabbage leaves, you can use them to make delicious cabbage rolls. Here’s how you can proceed:
Prepare the filling: You can use any filling of your choice, whether it’s a traditional meat and rice filling or a vegetarian option. Make sure it is well-seasoned and flavorful.Fill and roll the cabbage leaves: Spoon a portion of the filling onto each cabbage leaf and roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.Bake in the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cabbage rolls for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are heated through and the cabbage leaves are tender.And there you have it – perfectly cooked cabbage leaves for your delicious cabbage rolls, all thanks to the microwave. This method not only saves you a significant amount of time but also ensures that the cabbage leaves stay tender and flavorful. Give it a try, and I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy your homemade cabbage rolls!
