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- 1 large head of cabbage
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Step-by-Step Instructions for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
1. Prepare the Cabbage:
Start by preparing the cabbage. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage, making a deep cut around the base. Place the cabbage in the boiling water, core-side down. Blanch the cabbage for about 3-5 minutes, or until the outer leaves become tender and easy to peel off. Remove the cabbage from the water and set it aside to cool. Once it’s cool enough to handle, peel off the softened leaves, being careful not to tear them. You’ll need about 10-12 large leaves.
Tip: If your cabbage leaves are a bit tough, you can cut out the thick vein in the center of each leaf to make them easier to roll.
2. Prepare the Filling:
While your cabbage is cooling, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, egg, garlic, oregano, thyme, and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. This filling should be flavorful but not overly moist, as it will cook further in the tomato sauce.
3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
Take a cabbage leaf and place a generous spoonful of the filling in the center. Fold in the sides of the leaf and roll it up tightly, like you would a burrito. Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.
Tip: If some leaves are too small or difficult to work with, you can overlap two leaves together for a larger surface area.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The sauce should be slightly tangy, rich, and savory.
5. Cook the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
Now it’s time to cook your cabbage rolls. In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, spread a small amount of the tomato sauce mixture on the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls tightly in the pot, seam side down, so they stay rolled up. Once all the cabbage rolls are in the pot, pour the remaining sauce over them, ensuring that they are mostly covered. If necessary, add a little more broth or water.
Cover the pot with a lid and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let the rolls cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour, checking occasionally. The cabbage should be soft and the filling fully cooked through. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a bit more broth or water to keep everything moist.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your stuffed cabbage rolls are cooked, remove them carefully from the pot and plate them. Spoon the sauce over the top of each roll, and serve hot.
These stuffed cabbage rolls are delicious when served with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes, and perhaps a simple salad to balance the richness.
Tips for Making the Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cabbage rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. They also freeze well, so you can make a large batch and freeze them for future meals.
- Customize the Filling: If you want to switch things up, feel free to add vegetables to the filling like grated carrots or mushrooms. For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Tomato Sauce Alternatives: If you prefer a richer, more robust sauce, you can use a combination of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar can enhance the depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Use Leftovers: Leftover cabbage rolls taste amazing the next day and are easy to reheat. They also make great meal prep for lunches during the week.
Conclusion:
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a heartwarming and satisfying dish that is perfect for family meals, especially during the colder months. They offer a beautiful balance of flavors, from the tender cabbage and savory meat filling to the tangy and slightly sweet tomato sauce. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to bring comfort to your table and create lasting memories.
Try this recipe today and enjoy the love and warmth that comes with each bite of this comforting classic. Happy cooking!
