Instant Pot Lentil Pilaf Whole Stuffed Cabbage

Step 1

Place all the Base Ingredients (except the cabbage) and Base Spice/Herb Ingredients into a large bowl, stir well to combine. Set aside.

Step 2

Next place all the Base Stuffing Ingredients, Stuffing Spice/Herb Ingredients and 2 Tablespoons of the juice from Step 1 above into a separate bowl, mix well. Set aside.

Step 3

Place the cabbage firmly on its side on the counter to stabilize it with the core facing down to the side. Carefully cut approximately 1 to 1 ½ inches off the cabbage off the top or the bottom (see notes) of the cabbage.

Step 4

Next hollow out the center of the cabbage, leaving a 1-inch shell. Reference photos.

Step 5

Take all the excess cabbage and removed-hollowed-out cabbage pieces and dice into small pieces and place in the bottom of the Instant Pot. These pieces will add flavor as well as stabilize the cabbage in an upright position while cooking.

Step 6

Stuff the hollowed-out cabbage with the lentil/rice mixture from Step 2 above, pack it in, then place the stuffed cabbage into the Instant Pot with the stuffing-filled cabbage sitting up.Settle it and give a little twist in the chopped cabbage pieces to keep it from falling over.

Step 7

Gently pour the Sauce Mixture from Step 2 over top of the stuffed cabbage.

Step 8

Set the Instant Pot to Manual Pressure High for 20 minutes (see blog post on tenderness). When finished, press Cancel and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes*, then do a Quick Release.

Step 9

Once all the pressure is released, carefully remove the lid, and allow to sit for 8 minutes for the pilaf stuffing to set up.

Step 10

Carefully remove the cabbage from the Instant Pot using two large-slotted spoons, set on a plate, stuffing side up. Cut into wedges with a sharp knife and serve with a generous amount of sauce over top.