Greek Cabbage Rice (Maporizo)
Another one of mom’s and grandma’s recipes that we hated as children and now love as adults. The onions and herby flavors make this dish stand out from the rest. I added some feta cheese to it at the end to make it creamier and yummier, whereas traditionally it is served on the side of the rice dish. You can make it either way and it will still be creamy from the olive oil and tomato paste.
I used savoy cabbage which has more of a wrinkly appearance. You can use red or green cabbage with this recipe too, they are totally interchangeable. Slice your cabbage into 1/2 inch thick strips. When your cooking it in the pot, make sure you cook it down and it becomes half way tender prior to introducing the rice to the pot.
I used Trader Joe’s calrose rice, which is a medium grain white rice. Any medium grain rice will work though. Don’t forget to season your dish as you go along. Taste and adjust as necessary keeping in mind that the salty feta cheese will be added at the end.
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Greek Cabbage Rice
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 5 scallions, diced
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 bunch fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbs tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp chili pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 large savoy cabbage, sliced 1/2" thin
- 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup medium grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat up your olive oil and then sauté the onions, scallions and garlic until translucent, 3 minutes. Mix in the herbs for 30 seconds. Add in the tomato paste and chili pepper flakes and toss all to coat.
- Transfer your cabbage to the pot, season with salt and pepper to taste and pour in the broth. Carefully mix everything together. Bring to a boil and lower heat to simmer and cover the pot. Cook this for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally or until cabbage is almost tender.
- Next, add in the rice and 2 cups water and mix to combine. Bring to a boil, lower heat to simmer and cover pot again. Cook until rice is done, stirring occasionally – should take about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the crumbled feta. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Notes
Nutrition
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I made this today and it turned out great! Served a big scoop of it in a bowl topped with ground turkey for protein. I used the two cups of broth and two cups of water as the recipe is written, and it did seem like quite a lot of liquid at first. I let it simmer for a while until thickened and then when I added the feta, it kind of melted in and became very creamy, similar to risotto. Next time, I may try less water. I may have used too much cabbage, but I’d call this more of cabbage dish with rice rather than a rice dish with cabbage.
Hi Shannon, Glad you ended up liking it and thank you for sharing with everyone your feedback on the dish!
Just finished making this. It’s SO delish!
I reduced the water by a cup (so, 2 c. broth, 1 c. water)
and it was the perfect balance of creaminess without being too brothy.
I also added a can of drained chickpeas for some extra protein, and a squeeze of lemon at the end.
*Next time, I may keep the liquids the same and add 1/4 c. rice.
Thanks, Stella ( :
Tasty but too much liquid perhaps? I only added 1 cup at the rice stage and still had to cook for longer with lid off to reduce liquid at the end.
Hi Alexis, Sorry there was an issue with too much liquid..
Love this! I have had about 12 of your recipes!! I am hooked and so healthy!
Hi Kristin, thanks so much for trying out the dishes and the kind review!!
I loved this! Have eaten it three days on the bounce…..
I’m obsessed with this dish!!! Perfect for meal prep too 🙂
I made this as a side dish to Toulouse sausages. I absolutely LOVE this recipe and will most definitely make it again. I used Savoy cabbage and found it to have a peppery scent to it. I had never used it, but definitely found a new favourite vegetable. Thank you for all of your amazing recipes and continue your great work.
This was delicious! I was surprised at just how amazing it was. Like another commenter I also only added one cup of water with the rice as it was quite brothy. I used medium grain rice as per the recipe (which gave it a lovely risotto-like consistency) but I just saw in your notes that you used basmati, which is long grain, so I might try that next time too, just for fun! But definitely another winner, Stella!
This recipe was insanely delicious!!! I added chickpeas for some protein because I was using it as a main, as well as lemon juice at the end for a hit of acidity and brightness, both of which I highly recommend! Served with a salad and some crusty bread and it was the perfect meal. Will be thinking about this dish for a while and already can’t wait to make again!
OMG! I just posted my comments and they’re almost exactly the same as yours (I swear, I wasn’t copying)
Clearly we’re both geniuses ( :
I loved this side dish and could have added a little more dill, didn’t have any fresh, so I played it too safe. Also the lemon is a must. But the rice was a hit. Great recipe
Hi Mary! Glad it worked for you!And yes, the lemon is a necessity!
I cant find savoy cabbage…can I use Napa?
Yes should work with Napa!
Can I use a different rice and should I adjust the water if so?
Hi Courtney, yes it should work as long as you adjust liquid and cook time!
Have you used whole grain brown rice before?
Hi Heather, I beleive you can use brown rice, but it will take twice the time to cook and probably require twice the liquid too. I have not tried it personally though so ….
Found this on your Instagram Paige.
It’s absolutely delish! And so easy.
My family loved it.
Hi Lon, Yay! happy you found us and you guys enjoyed the cabbage dish! Thanks for the rating as well!
Great recipe! Reminds me of the cabbage rolls (casserole) I make but with the Dill and Feta, Greek instead of Polish.
Hi Wendy! Sounds delicious! My mom has a great recipe for cabbage rolls I need to share with everyone! Glad you liked this simple dish though!
Please share the recipe for your cabbage rolls if you can. That sounds awesome!!!
This recipe worked so well and was delicious. I have been looking for more cabbage recipes as my husband keeps bringing them home from his vegetable garden! Anything with feta is a bonus.
Hi Zita, I heard that! I love cabbage and am planning on sharing more recipes soon!