Cabbage rolls – Recipe

Cabbage Rolls are a hearty, flavorful dish that’s loved around the world, with variations in different cultures. These rolls are usually stuffed with a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and spices, then baked in a tomato-based sauce. They’re cozy, filling, and perfect for a family meal. Here’s a simple recipe for classic Cabbage Rolls:

Ingredients:

For the Rolls:

1 medium head of cabbage
1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground pork, turkey, or a mixture)
1/2 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with or without herbs)
2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cut the core out of the cabbage and carefully peel off the leaves, trying to keep them whole. You’ll need about 12 large leaves.
Blanch the cabbage leaves by placing them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until soft and pliable. Remove with tongs and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

3. Form the Cabbage Rolls:

Take a cabbage leaf and cut out the tough stem from the base of the leaf.
Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each leaf.
Fold in the sides of the cabbage leaf, then roll it up tightly, like a burrito, to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

4. Make the Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar (if using), Worcestershire sauce, oregano, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

5. Assemble and Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread a small amount of the sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish, packing them snugly together.
Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the rolls, making sure they’re well coated.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes.

6. Serve:

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to allow the tops to brown slightly and the flavors to meld.
Serve hot with some extra sauce spooned over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley or sour cream, if desired.

Tips & Variations:

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or a mixture of cooked rice and finely chopped vegetables for a plant-based version.
Sauce Variations: You can add a little bit of lemon juice or vinegar to the sauce for some tang, or experiment with herbs like basil or bay leaves for added flavor.
Freezing: Cabbage rolls freeze well. After assembling them, place the uncooked rolls in an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, just bake them from frozen, adding a bit of extra time.
Serving Suggestions: Cabbage rolls go great with mashed potatoes, a side salad, or some crusty bread.

Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for colder months or whenever you want a filling, satisfying meal. Enjoy these tender rolls with their savory filling and rich tomato sauce!