Cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food dish enjoyed in many cultures worldwide. Stuffed with a savory mix of ground meat, rice, and herbs, then baked in a rich tomato sauce, they are hearty and flavorful. While the preparation may take some time, the results are well worth the effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef (or pork, or a mix)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully core the cabbage and remove the outer leaves.
- Blanch the cabbage in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes or until the leaves soften. Peel off each leaf and set aside. Repeat until you’ve removed about 12-15 large leaves.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
- Lay a cabbage leaf on a flat surface, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture into the center of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll from the bottom up to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Bake the Cabbage Rolls:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, covering them completely.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1.5 hours, until the rolls are tender and cooked through.
6. Serve:
- Let the cabbage rolls rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Tips:
- For a tangier flavor, add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce.
- If you prefer a meatless option, replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
