Here’s a clear overview of Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage (Töltött káposzta), including what it is, nutrition estimates, and a traditional-style recipe outline.
Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage (Töltött Káposzta)
What it is 🇭🇺
A classic Hungarian comfort dish made with:
- Cabbage leaves (often sauerkraut cabbage)
- Ground meat (pork or pork + beef)
- Rice
- Paprika
- Slow-simmered in a tomato–paprika sauce, often with sauerkraut
Rich, savory, and even better the next day.
Estimated Nutrition
Per serving (2 stuffed cabbage rolls with sauce)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420–520 kcal |
| Protein | 25–30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28–35 g |
| └ Fiber | 4–6 g |
| Fat | 22–28 g |
| └ Saturated Fat | 8–10 g |
| Sodium | 700–1,000 mg (higher if sauerkraut is used) |
Macro Breakdown (approx.):
- Fat: 45–50%
- Protein: 20–25%
- Carbs: 25–30%
Traditional Ingredient Highlights
- Cabbage / Sauerkraut – fiber, probiotics
- Ground pork – rich flavor, protein
- Rice – texture and mild sweetness
- Paprika – essential Hungarian spice
- Garlic & onion – depth of flavor
- Sour cream (optional topping)
Traditional-Style Recipe Outline (Serves 4–6)
Ingredients
- 1 large cabbage or sour cabbage leaves
- 1 lb ground pork (or pork/beef mix)
- ½ cup uncooked rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- 2 cups sauerkraut (optional but traditional)
- 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- Sour cream for serving
Basic Steps
- Soften cabbage leaves (boil briefly if using fresh).
- Mix meat, rice, onion, garlic, paprika, pepper, egg, and salt.
- Fill and roll cabbage leaves.
- Layer sauerkraut and rolls in a pot.
- Add tomato sauce and water to cover.
- Simmer gently 1½–2 hours until tender.
- Serve with sour cream and bread.
Tips & Variations
- 🥩 Use smoked meat or bacon in the pot for deeper flavor
- 🌾 Replace rice with barley for a heartier version
- ⚖️ Lighter version: lean meat + less rice
- ❄️ Freezes very well and tastes better reheated
If you want, I can:
- 🧮 Calculate exact nutrition for your family recipe
- 🍲 Make a lighter or high-protein version
- 🇭🇺 Share regional Hungarian variations
Just tell me how you’d like it adjusted 😊