For example, in an issue of La Jolla Light newspaper, food columnist Catherine Kaufman contended that the dish was invented in southwest Asia and made its way to Europe via migration and trade routes. But at the same time, she noted that it made its way to Sweden when King Charles XII came back from a military mission to Moldavia.
Origins aside, though, whoever first decided to make these delicious food “envelopes” was clever. Making a neat, edible package out of hardy cabbage leaves is an appealing way to present vegetables to kids, and it's a great way to contain foods like minced beef, pork, and rice. Each time, it offers a surprise as you poke your fork into the tomato sauce and slice your knife through to the filling.
Of course, in Estonia, they are known as kapsarullid and have been providing warmth and gastronomical satisfaction for generations.
Making them from scratch is a fun family affair: boiling the cabbage, dolloping the filling inside, and rolling them up. But if you're seeking the essence of this comforting home-cooked meal without setting foot in the kitchen,...
Become a subscriber to continue reading!
Every week we bring you news from the community and exclusive columns. We're relying on your support to keep going and invite you to subscribe.
Starting from $2.30 per week.