DINNER

Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls are a delicious dish made by rolling a filling, often including ground meat and rice, in blanched cabbage leaves and then cooking them in a flavorful sauce. Here’s a basic recipe to guide you through the process:

Ingredients: For the cabbage rolls:

  • 1 large green cabbage
  • 1 pound (450g) ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or a mixture)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or parsley)

For the sauce:

  • 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup broth (chicken or vegetable)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
    • Bring a large pot of water to boil.
    • Carefully remove the core of the cabbage using a knife.
    • Place the whole cabbage into the boiling water for a few minutes until the outer leaves start to soften and can be peeled off easily.
    • Remove the cabbage from the water and gently peel off the leaves one by one. You may need to put the cabbage back into the boiling water for a few more minutes if the leaves are still too firm.
  1. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
  2. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
    • Take a cabbage leaf and trim the tough center stem if necessary.
    • Place a spoonful of the filling onto the center of the cabbage leaf.
    • Fold in the sides of the leaf and then roll it up tightly, similar to how you would roll a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

  1. Prepare the Sauce:
    • In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, broth, olive oil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper.
  1. Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
    • Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of a large pot or a baking dish.
    • Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot or dish.
    • Pour the remaining sauce over the cabbage rolls.
  2. Cooking Options:
    • Stovetop: Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cabbage leaves are tender and the filling is cooked.
    • Oven: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  3. Serve:
    • Once cooked, carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the pot or baking dish.
    • Serve the cabbage rolls hot, with some of the sauce spooned over them.

Cabbage rolls are often enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream on top. You can also customize the filling and sauce according to your preferences. Enjoy your homemade cabbage rolls!

 

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