CABBAGE SURPRISE WITH TOMATO COULIS

Preparation Method :

• Cut around the stem at an angle so that the cuts meet somewhere inside the cabbage and below the stem, pull out the stem.
• With a sharp knife, make jabbing cuts in the space created by removing the stem and pull out the loosened pieces of cabbage.
• Continue scooping out the inside of the cabbage in this manner, until the cabbage is hollowed out, leaving a shell that is less than half an inch thick. Try not to make the opening too wide.
• Mix together all the filling ingredients and check the seasoning; put the filling into cabbage, packing it tightly.
• Place the reserved leaves over the opening and tie the cabbage firmly with twine. Make a loop on one side so that you can lift the cabbage out of the steamer.
• Place the steamer with the cabbage in a pot of boiling water and steam for at least 30 minutes or until the leaves are tender and the stuffing is heated through. Remove the twine.
• Put the tomatoes in boiling water for a few minutes until they are cooked through; drain, push them through a strainer, discard the skin and seeds, and season to taste.
• Put the warm coulis on a serving platter, and place the cabbage on this, stem-side down.
• Cut the cabbage into eight sections, not cutting all the way through. Open out the sections and serve hot.