introduction
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a beloved dish enjoyed by many across the world. They offer a unique combination of flavors and textures, with a tender cabbage leaf wrapped around a savory filling.
The rich filling of ground beef and pork, combined with seasoned rice, creates a hearty and comforting meal that can easily become a family favorite.
Simmered in a delicious tomato sauce, these rolls absorb the flavors as they cook, making every bite a treat.
Ingredients
-1 large head of cabbage
-1 pound ground beef
-1 cup cooked rice
-1 small onion, finely chopped
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 egg
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-1 teaspoon paprika
-2 cups tomato sauce
-1 cup beef broth
-1 tablespoon lemon juice
-1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
Start by preparing the cabbage leaves. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully remove the cabbage leaves.
one at a time, blanching them until they are soft and pliable. Set the cabbage leaves aside to cool. Be sure to trim any thick veins from the center of the leaves to make them easier to roll.
Next, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and egg.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients together until well combined.
Now, it’s time to assemble the cabbage rolls. Take one cabbage leaf and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling in the center.
Carefully fold in the sides of the leaf and then roll it tightly from the bottom to the top, ensuring the filling stays securely inside. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
For the cooking sauce, mix the tomato sauce, beef broth, lemon juice, and brown sugar in a bowl. Stir the mixture to combine the flavors and create a tangy, savory base for the rolls to cook in.
Next, prepare a large pot or Dutch oven for cooking. Place a small layer of the sauce on the bottom of the pot. Arrange the cabbage rolls in a single layer, stacking them if necessary.
Once the rolls are arranged, pour the remaining sauce over the top, making sure the rolls are mostly covered.
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Cover the pot with a lid and let the cabbage rolls cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and allow the cabbage rolls to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and ensures the rolls are easier to handle.
How to make
To begin, prepare the cabbage leaves by boiling water in a large pot. Carefully remove each cabbage leaf, ensuring you remove them one at a time.
Place the leaves in the boiling water for just a few minutes to soften them. This step helps make the cabbage more flexible, making it easier to wrap around the filling.
After blanching, set the leaves aside to cool and cut off any tough stems.
While the cabbage leaves are cooling, prepare the filling by combining ground beef and pork in a bowl. Add in the cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Mix well, ensuring that all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. The combination of beef and pork adds a depth of flavor to the filling, while the rice provides texture.
When it comes to assembling the rolls, carefully take each cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat mixture into the center of the leaf.
Fold the edges in toward the center and then roll tightly. Make sure each roll is securely closed, as this will help the filling stay intact while cooking.
For the sauce, mix tomato sauce, beef broth, lemon juice, and brown sugar in a bowl. This combination creates a tangy yet sweet flavor that complements the savory rolls.
The beef broth ensures the sauce has a rich and deep taste, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing acidity to balance the richness.
Once the rolls are assembled and the sauce is ready, place the cabbage rolls in a large pot, layering them carefully.
Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring the rolls are mostly submerged. Simmer on low heat, covered, to allow the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften.
As the cabbage rolls cook, the sauce will thicken, creating a delicious coating over the rolls. The long, slow simmer ensures.
that the filling is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
After cooking, allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. This will allow the juices to settle, making them easier to serve.
Enjoy your cabbage rolls with the sauce poured over the top, and savor the rich, comforting flavors.
Tips
Use a sharp knife to carefully trim the thick veins of the cabbage leaves before rolling. This will make the rolling process easier and ensure the leaves fold neatly.
If you have leftover filling, you can use it to make extra cabbage rolls or even use it as a filling for other dishes, such as meatloaf or stuffed peppers.
If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the filling or sauce.
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the filling mixture.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from a previous meal to save time.
To make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the rolls and refrigerate them before cooking.
Simply simmer the rolls in the sauce when you’re ready to eat.
For a healthier twist, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef and pork mixture.
Conclusion
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a satisfying and hearty dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. The combination of tender cabbag
flavorful meat filling, and savory tomato sauce makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking.
For a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
With a little time and effort, you can create this traditional dish that will not only fill your stomach but also bring smiles to those who enjoy it.
These cabbage rolls, served with their rich sauce, are perfect for sharing and will become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
