🌿 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls 🌿
A comforting dish featuring tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory meat and rice mixture, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for hearty family dinners!
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6
Ingredients:
For the Rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 oz tomato paste
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Directions:
- 🥬 Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and gently separate the leaves. Blanch the leaves in the boiling water for 2–3 minutes, until softened. Drain and let cool.
- 🍲 Make the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, tomato paste, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
- 🌯 Assemble the Rolls:
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto the base of each cabbage leaf. Roll up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- 🍅 Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- 🥘 Cook the Rolls:
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a large pot or Dutch oven. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are covered.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the rolls are tender and the flavors meld together.
- 🍽️ Serve:
- Serve warm with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Enjoy your cozy and delicious stuffed cabbage rolls! 🌟
