Classic Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Cabbage rolls, a beloved comfort food, combine tender cabbage leaves with a savory filling of ground meat and rice. This classic recipe is both hearty and satisfying, making it a perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making delicious cabbage rolls that will impress anyone at your table.
Ingredients:
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves are pliable and easy to peel off. Remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool slightly. Gently peel off 12-15 large leaves, being careful not to tear them. Set the leaves aside.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and then roll it up from the bottom, securing the filling inside. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, lemon juice (or vinegar), dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a small amount of the sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, making sure they are well covered.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is fully cooked. You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of a roll; it should read 160°F (71°C).
- Serve:
- Allow the cabbage rolls to rest for a few minutes before serving. They are delicious on their own or served with a dollop of sour cream and a side of crusty bread.
Tips:
- If you have extra cabbage leaves or filling, you can freeze them for future use. Just assemble the rolls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag.
- For a tangier flavor, adjust the amount of lemon juice or vinegar in the sauce to your taste.
- You can substitute the ground meat with a vegetarian option or other protein sources according to your preference.
Enjoy your homemade cabbage rolls! They’re a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
