Greek Rice And Cabbage: 4 Reasons You’ll Love It

Name: Greek Rice And Cabbage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 kg (4–5 cups) shredded cabbage; 180 g (1 cup) finely chopped onion; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 celery stick (about ⅔ cup), chopped; 80 g (1 cup) chopped leek, mostly white part; 180 g (2 medium) carrots, sliced; 100 g (⅔ cup) finely chopped sweet red pepper; 400 g (14 oz) diced canned tomatoes; 1½ teaspoons tomato paste; 5 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for sautéing; 1 dried bay leaf; 190 g (1 cup) long-grain rice (such as basmati); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1½ teaspoons dried thyme; 3½ cups hot water or vegetable stock; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Lemon wedges, for serving

Jump to Recipe

If your weeknights feel like a blur of to-do lists, carpools, and “what’s for dinner?” panic, let me introduce you to Greek Rice And Cabbage—a humble, cozy classic that tastes like a deep breath. This dish (also known as Lahanorizo) is the kind of comfort food that practically cooks itself, fills your kitchen with the smell of something wonderful, and uses ingredients you probably already have hanging out in your fridge.

I’m Mounia, and recipes like this are why I fell in love with simple, old-school cooking in the first place. When life is loud and busy, Greek Rice And Cabbage shows up quietly and says, “I’ve got you.” No fancy tricks. No stress. Just honest flavor, a single pot, and a meal that feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Rice And Cabbage

Let’s be real—cabbage doesn’t always get the love it deserves. But in this dish? It becomes soft, sweet, and comforting in the best way.

Here’s why this one earns a permanent spot in your rotation:

One pot, zero chaos. Less cleanup = more time for you.
Budget-friendly comfort. Simple vegetables + rice = magic.
Naturally cozy and filling. Perfect for chilly nights or meatless Mondays.
Flexible and forgiving. This recipe won’t punish you if you eyeball ingredients.
Leftovers are even better. The flavors cozy up overnight.

If you’ve ever wanted a recipe that feels nourishing without feeling fussy, Lahanorizo is it.

A Little Love for Lahanorizo (The Heart of Greek Home Cooking)

Lahanorizo is one of those dishes Greek grandmothers have been making forever—usually without a recipe, just instinct and love. It’s rice and cabbage gently simmered with tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs until everything melts together into something far greater than the sum of its parts.

This isn’t flashy food. It’s real food. The kind that warms you from the inside and makes your house smell like a cozy hug from your favorite aunt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this comforting pot of goodness:

1 kg (4–5 cups) shredded cabbage
180 g (1 cup) finely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 stick celery (about ⅔ cup), chopped
80 g (1 cup) chopped leek (mostly the white part)
180 g (2 medium) carrots, sliced
100 g (⅔ cup) finely chopped sweet red pepper
400 g (14 oz) diced canned tomatoes (or fresh)
1½ teaspoons tomato paste
5 tablespoons olive oil, plus a splash for sautéing
1 dried bay leaf
190 g (1 cup) long-grain rice (Basmati works beautifully)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1½ teaspoons thyme
3½ cups hot water or stock
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving

Nothing fancy. Nothing hard to find. Just good, honest ingredients doing what they do best.

How to Make Greek Rice And Cabbage (Step-by-Step)

Take a breath. This recipe moves gently, just like it should.

Step 1: Start with the base

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add the onion and leeks, and sauté until they soften and smell sweet—about 3–4 minutes.

Step 2: Add the garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute. You want fragrant, not burnt. (Garlic waits for no one.)

Step 3: Veggie time

Add the red pepper and sliced carrots. Stir everything together and let them soften slightly.

Step 4: Bring on the cabbage

Add the shredded cabbage in handfuls, seasoning lightly with salt as you go. Let each batch wilt down before adding more. Stir often and be patient—the cabbage will shrink, I promise.

Step 5: Build the sauce

Once the cabbage has softened, add the celery, bay leaf, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and a little pepper. Stir well and cook for about a minute to wake up those flavors.

Step 6: Simmer gently

Pour in 2 cups of hot water or stock. Cover and simmer over moderate heat for 15 minutes. This is where the magic starts.

Step 7: Add rice and herbs

Stir in the parsley, thyme, rice, olive oil, and the remaining 1½ cups of hot liquid. Cover again and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 8: Rest and serve

Remove from heat and let it rest uncovered for 5–10 minutes. Finish with freshly ground pepper and a generous squeeze of lemon.

Serve warm—and don’t skip the lemon. It’s the little spark that makes everything pop.

Greek Rice And Cabbage served in a white bowl with tender cabbage, rice, carrots, and tomatoes in a light tomato sauce — Greek Rice And Cabbage cooked until tender and comforting, with cabbage, rice, tomatoes, and vegetables in a simple Greek-style sauce

My Best Tips for Perfect Lahanorizo

Don’t rush the cabbage. Letting it soften properly gives the dish its cozy texture.
If it looks too thick, add a splash of hot water. If it looks too soupy, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
Taste before serving. Rice loves salt—adjust as needed.
Use good olive oil. You’ll taste it, I promise.

And if your rice sticks a little to the bottom? Congratulations—you’ve made it the traditional way.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

I first made this Greek Rice And Cabbage on one of those weeks—laundry piled up, emails unanswered, dinner feeling like one task too many. I needed something warm, forgiving, and comforting.

This dish quietly saved the day. One pot, no stress, and leftovers that somehow tasted even better the next night. Since then, it’s become my go-to when life feels full but my energy feels… not.

FAQs About Greek Rice And Cabbage (Lahanorizo)

Can I make Lahanorizo ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but you’ll need more liquid and a longer cooking time. Add about 1 extra cup of water and simmer until tender.

Is Greek Rice And Cabbage vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as written.

What protein can I add?

While traditional Lahanorizo is meat-free, you can add chickpeas or white beans if you’d like something extra filling.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can, though the rice will soften a bit. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge.

When Simple Food Feels Like Home

There’s something deeply comforting about a dish like Greek Rice And Cabbage. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t rush. It just shows up warm, nourishing, and ready to make your evening easier.

Whether you’re cooking for family, feeding yourself after a long day, or just craving something cozy and grounding, this Lahanorizo is here for you. Grab your pot, pour yourself something nice, and let dinner take care of itself—just the way it should.

A Few More Cozy Ideas You Might Love

If this bowl of Greek Rice And Cabbage brought a little comfort to your table, there are plenty of other warm, nourishing dishes that fit right into the same easygoing, feel-good rhythm.

For another veggie-packed, soul-warming meal, cozy winter minestrone soup loaded with vegetables and pantry staples is perfect when you want something simple yet deeply satisfying.

If you’re craving Greek-inspired flavors with a bit more protein, Greek chicken stuffed peppers with bold Mediterranean seasoning make a wonderful pairing with rice-based dishes like this one.

And if cabbage comfort is your love language, you’ll enjoy exploring easy slow cooker cabbage recipes made for relaxed family dinners.

For a traditional perspective and a little culinary inspiration straight from the Mediterranean, classic Greek cabbage and rice known as Lahanorizo is a lovely read that celebrates the heart of this timeless dish.