Stuffed Cabbage With Moroccan Beef Filling

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Remove the tough outer leaves of the cabbage and slice off the top inch. Place the cabbage in the boiling water and blanch for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

2. Step 2

   Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and beef and cook until the beef is browned, about 5 minutes more. Stir in the apricots, pine nuts, lemon zest, cumin, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Step 3

   Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove the center of the cabbage, from the top, to create a "bowl" by cutting into the head with a sharp paring knife to loosen the tightly packed inner leaves, and then scooping them out with a sharp spoon. Finely chop these leaves and stir them into the meat mixture. Add the egg and mix well.

4. Step 4

   Carefully fold back the outer leaves. Fill the cavity with some of the meat mixture and spread the remaining filling between the leaves. Fold the leaves back to re-form the cabbage and tie with string to secure it. Place the cabbage in a small roasting pan and add ½ cup water. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake until the leaves are tender, about 20 minutes more. Place the cabbage on a platter, remove the string and serve.