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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty classic dish featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned ground meat, rice, onion, and garlic, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe is simple to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and delivers nostalgic flavors that fill your kitchen with warmth and irresistible aromas.

Ingredients

Scale

Cabbage and Wrapping

  • 1 large green cabbage head, fresh and firm

Filling

  • 1 pound ground beef or pork (or a mix)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Tomato Sauce

  • 3 cups tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Variations

  • Crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for spice
  • Lentils or mushrooms instead of meat for vegetarian version
  • Quinoa or bulgur instead of rice
  • Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage as alternative proteins
  • Sour cream or a splash of vinegar to add to tomato sauce for tanginess

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Blanch the whole cabbage head in boiling water until the leaves are soft and pliable, about 3-5 minutes. Carefully separate the leaves and drain them well, so they are ready to be filled without tearing.
  2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Mix thoroughly to create a juicy, well-seasoned filling.
  3. Assemble the Rolls: Place a spoonful of the filling onto each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll the leaf snugly around the filling, making sure not to overfill to avoid splitting during cooking.
  4. Layer in the Pot: Arrange the rolled cabbage leaves seam-side down in a large pot. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the rolls, ensuring they are well covered to keep them moist.
  5. Cook Gently: Simmer the rolls on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage to become tender. Occasionally check the sauce to prevent drying out, adding water or extra tomato sauce if needed.

Notes

  • Use fresh and firm cabbage leaves to make wrapping easier and reduce tearing.
  • Don’t overfill the cabbage leaves to help maintain the shape of the rolls during cooking.
  • Blanch the cabbage leaves just until pliable, avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
  • Season the filling well and taste it before rolling to ensure balanced flavor.
  • Simmer the rolls slowly on low heat to fully absorb the sauce flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, Cabbage Rolls, Ground Meat, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Gluten Free

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/stuffed-cabbage-rolls/