Stuffed cabbage rolls, a comfort food staple across various cultures, offer a delicious blend of soft, sweet cabbage leaves filled with a savory mix of meat, rice, and spices, all simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive occasion, providing warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Here’s how you can create this timeless classic at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage: You’ll gently peel off the leaves to use as wrappers for the filling.
- For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef: For richness and flavor.
- 1/2 pound ground pork: Adds juiciness and depth to the filling.
- 1 cup cooked rice: For texture and to extend the filling.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and aroma.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: For flavor.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder for the filling.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For color and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.
- For the Sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: For richness and thickness.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: For flavor.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 tablespoon vinegar: Adds a slight tang.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.
- Water or broth as needed: For adjusting the sauce consistency.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully place it in the boiling water. After a few minutes, the outer leaves will start to soften. Gently peel off the softened leaves with tongs, setting them aside to cool. Continue until you have enough leaves for your rolls.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Fill the Cabbage Leaves: Take a cabbage leaf, place a portion of the filling on it, fold in the sides, and roll up, enclosing the filling completely. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, adjusting the consistency with water or broth as needed.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls: Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 1-1.5 hours, until the rolls are tender and the meat is cooked through.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the sauce and serve them hot, with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a testament to the beauty of simple, humble ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s both comforting and deeply satisfying. This recipe, with its tender cabbage, flavorful filling, and rich tomato sauce, is sure to become a beloved meal in your household, evoking a sense of tradition and home-cooked warmth.
