Servings: 6
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the cabbage rolls:
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 lb (450 g) raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 8 oz (225 g) smoked sausage, finely chopped
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- ½ bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked cauliflower rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the sauce:
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer cabbage leaves and blanch them for about 2–3 minutes, until soft and flexible. Transfer to cold water, then drain. Trim the thick center vein slightly so the leaves are easier to roll.
- Cook the sausage: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add the vegetables: Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the chopped shrimp, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the shrimp begins to turn pink. Don’t overcook it because it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Make the filling: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cauliflower rice, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, parsley, and lemon juice. Mix everything well.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the rolls: Spread about half of the sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Place a cabbage leaf flat, add about ⅓ cup of filling near the bottom, fold in the sides, and roll it tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Bake: Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and cover with foil.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Let the cabbage rolls rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
🌶️ Keto Tip
For a lower-carb version, use sugar-free smoked sausage and check the label on your Cajun seasoning for added sugar or starch. Serve with cauliflower rice or a simple green salad for a complete keto meal.