Every year around the 2nd and 3rd days of Tet, when lavish feasts begin to repeat, the feeling of "fear of meat, fear of spring rolls" is a common situation for many people. Consuming too many protein and fat-rich foods overloads the digestive system, leading to feelings of bloating and fatigue.
At this time, the trend of looking for "green" dishes, rich in fiber but still ensuring sophistication for a full meal is the choice of many people. And cabbage meat rolls are the name at the top of the list of "fat-relieving dishes" loved by housewives.
Cabbage meat rolls are not a strange dish, but in the context of the Lunar New Year, it has a completely different value. The appeal of the dish lies in the interesting contrast: the outer layer of cabbage leaves is lightly chewy, retains the natural sweetness of vegetables, and embraces the rich wood ear mushroom meat filling inside.
Unlike greasy stir-fried dishes, cabbage meat rolls are often processed by steaming or cooking soup. This method retains the essence of the ingredients, creating a clear, elegant broth, helping diners feel lighter immediately after enjoying.
To make the dish not only delicious but also beautiful like an artwork on the feast, the chef needs a little dexterity in the processing stage.
Regarding ingredients, you should choose flat cabbage (local cabbage) with large, thin and soft leaves. The green leaves on the outside will give a more eye-catching color than the white core inside.
The secret to preventing the roll from tearing is to blanch the leaves briefly in boiling water mixed with a little salt, then soak them immediately in cold water to keep the green color.
Regarding the meat filling, you prepare minced pork shoulder meat mixed with wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms and dried shallots as a classic combination. A little green pepper or minced ginger will help the dish become fragrant and warmer in the spring weather.
Finally, you should use the blanched scallion strands to tie the meat rolls firmly. This small detail is the highlight that makes the dish look more elegant and polite when serving guests.
Besides the effect of relieving bloating, cabbage is also known as a "precious medicine" for the stomach thanks to its rich vitamin U and fiber content, which support digestion extremely well after parties.
More than just a dish, the stage of sitting together meticulously wrapping each roll of cabbage is also when family members can leisurely chat, relieving the hustle and bustle of busy Tet preparation days.
A bowl of hot meat-wrapped cabbage soup not only cools the hearts of diners but also warms the Vietnamese kitchen space in the first days of the year.
