Chou Farci (French)

Chou Farci, which translates to 'stuffed cabbage' in French, is a hearty, rustic dish from the Lorraine region of northeastern France. It consists of a whole head of cabbage, leaves carefully removed and blanched, then wrapped around a savory filling typically made from ground pork, veal, or beef, mixed with rice or breadcrumbs, onions, and aromatic herbs before being slowly braised or baked in a flavorful broth.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a well-balanced, protein-rich meal, with the meat filling providing substantial protein and the cabbage offering fiber and vitamins. A typical serving, which is quite filling, would likely range from 350 to 500 calories, depending on the exact meat-to-cabbage ratio and any added fats in the cooking broth.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	280 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbs	15 g
Fat	16 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	650 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Vitamin C	25 mg
Vitamin A	120 mcg RAE
Iron	2.5 mg
Calcium	80 mg
Vitamin B6	0.4 mg
Niacin (B3)	5 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg

Per 1 stuffed cabbage roll (approx. 240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Chou Farci is a classic example of French 'cuisine de terroir' or peasant cooking, designed to be economical and nourishing. Nutritionally, it's a clever way to incorporate a large serving of vegetables into a satisfying main course, with the cabbage acting as a natural, edible wrapper that keeps the filling moist and flavorful during cooking.