3 piece (medium) of Stuffed Cabbage Leaves (120 g) has 114 calories. That works out to 95 calories per 100 g. It contains 16.2 g of carbs, 5 g of protein, 3.4 g of fat and 3.7 g of fiber. Its 45.6 µg of Vitamin K covers 38% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 45 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Stuffed Cabbage Leaves?

Stuffed Cabbage Leaves are part of the broader sarma tradition found in Turkish home cooking. Blanched cabbage leaves are wrapped around a filling of rice and onion, sometimes with minced meat, herbs and spices. Meat-free versions are often cooked with olive oil, while meat-filled rolls make a more substantial dish.

The leaves turn tender as the filling stays soft and hearty, usually simmered in a tomato-based sauce. In Turkey, the rolls are served warm as a main dish or alongside other dishes, often with yogurt; elsewhere, they can be served as a side or shared meal. Rice supplies much of the carbohydrate, while cabbage adds fibre and a meat filling contributes protein. For a lighter version, use a modest amount of oil and make the filling meat-free.

Stuffed Cabbage Leaves Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

13.5g

· 5% DV

Protein

4.2g

· 8% DV

Fat

2.8g

· 4% DV

Fiber

3.1g

· 11% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 56% · Protein 18% · Fat 26%

Stuffed Cabbage Leaves Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin K

38µg · 32% DV

Vitamin C

14mg · 16% DV

Folate

38µg · 10% DV

0.13mg · 8% DV

Minerals

Sodium

320mg · 14% DV

Zinc

1mg · 9% DV

Phosphorus

52mg · 7% DV

Iron

1mg · 6% DV

How Nutritious Is Stuffed Cabbage Leaves?

Nutrient density

Medium

55/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

52/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Stuffed Cabbage Leaves Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Stuffed Cabbage Leaves

To burn the 95 calories in 100 g:

🚶

24min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

10min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

13min

Cycling

🏊

11min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Stuffed Cabbage Leaves Processed?

NOVA 2

Minimally Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Stuffed Cabbage Leaves Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Stuffed Cabbage Leaves Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Stuffed Cabbage Leaves Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.7g

MONOUNSATURATED

1.1g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.5g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 2.8:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Stuffed Cabbage Leaves

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Foods Similar to Stuffed Cabbage Leaves

🍅

Tomato

18 kcal

🥗

Mixed Green Salad

18 kcal

🫑

Red Pepper

31 kcal

🥄

Boiled Beetroot

44 kcal

🫑

Green pepper

20 kcal

🥗

Potato Salad

110 kcal

🥗

Arugula

25 kcal

🥕🥦🍆

Oven-Roasted Mixed Vegetables

65 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Cabbage Leaves

What are stuffed cabbage leaves made of?

Stuffed cabbage leaves are cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling, commonly rice, onion, and seasonings, with minced meat in some versions. Recipes vary by region, and some use vegetables or herbs instead of meat.

How do you make stuffed cabbage leaves?

To make stuffed cabbage leaves, soften whole cabbage leaves, place filling near the base, fold in the sides, and roll them up. Arrange the rolls snugly in a pot and cook gently with sauce or water until tender.

How do you keep stuffed cabbage leaves from unrolling?

Use pliable leaves, avoid overfilling them, and fold the sides inward before rolling. Place each stuffed cabbage leaf seam-side down in a snug layer; gentle cooking helps keep the rolls intact better than stirring them.

How do you soften cabbage leaves for stuffed cabbage leaves?

For stuffed cabbage leaves, briefly blanch the cabbage and peel away the outer leaves as they loosen. You can also remove the core and soften the whole head in boiling water; trim thick ribs so the leaves fold without splitting.

Are stuffed cabbage leaves made with meat or rice?

Stuffed cabbage leaves can contain both rice and minced meat, but meatless versions often use rice with onion, herbs, or other vegetables. The filling varies by family and region, so the dish is not limited to one recipe.

Where do stuffed cabbage leaves come from?

Stuffed cabbage leaves are a traditional dish across many parts of Europe, the Middle East, and western Asia, rather than having one universally agreed origin. Local versions differ in their fillings, seasonings, sauces, and names.

What sauce goes with stuffed cabbage leaves?

Tomato-based sauce is a common accompaniment for stuffed cabbage leaves, while some versions cook in a light broth or olive oil. A spoonful of plain yogurt also pairs well with warm, savory rolls.

Can you freeze stuffed cabbage leaves?

Yes, stuffed cabbage leaves freeze well once cooled. Pack them in an airtight container with some sauce to limit drying, then thaw in the refrigerator and reheat until hot throughout.

How do you make vegetarian stuffed cabbage leaves?

Vegetarian stuffed cabbage leaves can be filled with rice, onion, herbs, and finely chopped vegetables instead of minced meat. Cook the rolls gently with tomato sauce or olive oil so the filling becomes tender without drying out.

Are stuffed cabbage leaves a healthy meal?

Stuffed cabbage leaves can be a balanced meal because they combine cabbage with a rice-and-vegetable filling, and some versions also provide protein from meat. This version is minimally processed; the filling and sauce determine much of the meal’s overall balance.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026