Enjoy this traditional Italian recipe for Capunet with rice, a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for family gatherings.

Capunet with Rice

Capunet with rice is one of the most beloved recipes in home-cooked Piedmontese cuisine: small cabbage rolls filled with a delicious mixture, traditionally prepared in country homes for special occasions. In this version, we present Capunet with rice, a substantial and flavorful variant that retains all the warmth of tradition, offering a softer and creamier note thanks to the rice cooked in milk.

This dish is perfect for Sunday family dinners, filling the kitchen with delightful aromas as it slowly cooks in the oven and served hot, golden-brown, and comforting. Ideal as a main dish or a hearty course during colder days, Capunet with rice represents a true rustic treat – simple, genuine, and always relevant.

Try also the Bergamasque version, Capù, and other delicious cabbage roll recipes:

• Cabbage Rolls Stuffed with Rice and Pumpkin
• Cabbage Rolls Stuffed
• Cabbage Rolls Stuffed with Vegetables
• Cabbage Rolls Stuffed with Rice and Endive
• Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 large head of Savoy cabbage
• 200g (1 cup) of Arborio rice
• 500ml (2 cups) of milk
• 200g (7 oz) of minced meat (beef or pork)
• 50g (1/4 cup) of grated Parmigiano cheese
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for greasing

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a pot, boil salted water and blanch the cabbage leaves until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and cool them on a towel.
3. In a pan, sauté the onion in olive oil until translucent. Add the minced meat and cook until browned.
4. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed meat, rice, Parmigiano cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Place a spoonful of the filling on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly, tucking in the sides.
6. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish. Pour the milk over the rolls and dot with butter.
7. Bake for about 40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
8. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Capunet with rice!

Total Time

Preparation and cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Cuisine

Italian