This 30-Minute Greek-Style Dinner Starts With A Head Of Cabbage

All you need is 30 minutes to make a hearty Greek-style dinner that centers around a head of cabbage chopped into strips. Lahanorizo, or Greek cabbage rice, is usually eaten in Greece during cooler months when the vegetable is in season. The dish can look different all over Greece, but, ultimately, the soul of lahanorizo is characterized by its satisfying creaminess, comforting rustic notes, and bright finish. 

It's simple enough for a quick, filling dinner, and with ingredients that aren't hard to procure, making it an easy Greek food you should try at least once. Its anatomy consists of a flavorful mixture of sauteed vegetables, including leeks, onions, garlic, and, of course, the star ingredient. Tomato paste, or fresh tomatoes, help deepen the flavor, though some recipes do without either. Some also call for carrots and celery, elevating the textures and overall depth. Because it comes with rice, it's filling enough to be enjoyed as an entree or as a midday meal. If you've been looking for ways to amp up the flavor of your rice, lahanorizo is the tasty answer.

Because lahanorizo is basically just a ton of veggies and rice added to a pot, it's tempting to just toss everything in together. However, make way for different cooking times so as to not overcook some ingredients while the rest just start to soften. Onions and leeks should come first before introducing garlic. Check if the ingredients have softened before throwing in the cabbage. Savoy cabbage is a good option if you want it done faster and softer, but green cabbage is a classic choice.

Hot water and tomatoes are melded together into the pot once the cabbage has achieved a soft texture. Toss in uncooked rice, making sure to give the pot a good stir so it can soak up the flavors, and give it a generous seasoning with salt and pepper. Medium-grain rice is usually the top choice because it gives the dish its signature creamy texture, whereas long-grain varieties, including basmati rice, can have the opposite effect. While it still might taste the same, it loses the element that makes lahanorizo a Greek classic. Brown rice is okay, but the cooking time can easily extend to 45 minutes. If you want the dish saucier, you can add more hot water. After removing it from the heat, you should add a drizzle of lemon. Feta cheese, which is also of Greek origins, can add an interesting tang to the dish and make it creamier, and it's much more flavorful with it on top. Finally, finish it with an herbaceous touch of fresh parsley.