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### The Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Before we dive into the preparation process, it’s important to gather all the ingredients needed for this hearty dish. The filling, cabbage, and tomato sauce all come together to create a meal that is both nourishing and full of flavor.
#### For the Cabbage Rolls:
– **1 Large Head of Cabbage**: The cabbage should be large, with firm, tight leaves. You’ll need the outer leaves to roll up the filling, so it’s best to choose a cabbage that is hearty and not too wilted.
– **1 lb Ground Beef**: Ground beef adds richness to the filling, and it’s the traditional choice for this recipe. You can use lean ground beef or a combination of lean beef and pork for added flavor.
– **1/2 cup Uncooked Rice**: Rice is a classic ingredient in cabbage rolls. It provides a hearty base for the filling and absorbs the savory flavors of the meat and sauce.
– **1 Small Onion**: Onion adds a savory base to the filling. It will be sautéed to bring out its natural sweetness.
– **1 Egg**: The egg helps bind the filling together and adds structure to the stuffing.
– **Salt and Pepper**: Essential for seasoning the filling and enhancing the overall flavor.
– **1/2 tsp Garlic Powder**: A bit of garlic powder adds an extra layer of flavor to the filling. You can also use fresh garlic, minced.
– **1/4 tsp Paprika**: Paprika adds depth and color to the filling, with a hint of smokiness.
– **1/4 cup Fresh Parsley**: Fresh parsley gives the filling a burst of freshness and color. It also complements the savory flavors of the beef and rice.
#### For the Tomato Sauce:
– **2 Cups Tomato Sauce**: Tomato sauce serves as the base for the cooking liquid. It provides the tanginess and sweetness that balance out the richness of the meat filling.
– **1 Can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes**: Diced tomatoes add texture and a little chunkiness to the sauce. Their bright, acidic flavor complements the savory filling.
– **1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce**: A little bit of Worcestershire sauce brings a savory umami note to the sauce and enhances the overall depth of flavor.
– **1 tbsp Brown Sugar**: Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
– **1 tsp Italian Seasoning**: Italian seasoning combines dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary to add fragrant, herbaceous notes to the sauce.
– **1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)**: If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes are a great addition to the sauce.
– **Salt and Pepper**: Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper for optimal flavor.
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### How to Make Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Making stuffed cabbage rolls may seem like a complicated task, but it’s actually a fairly simple and rewarding process. The key to great cabbage rolls lies in preparing the cabbage properly, making a flavorful filling, and simmering the rolls in a rich, savory tomato sauce. Let’s walk through the steps.
#### Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
1. **Remove the Core**: Start by cutting out the core of the cabbage using a sharp knife. This will make it easier to remove the leaves later on.
2. **Blanch the Cabbage**: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully lower the whole cabbage head into the water and blanch it for 3-5 minutes until the outer leaves become soft and pliable. You can use tongs to carefully peel off the softened leaves one by one as they loosen. Continue until you have about 12-15 leaves.
3. **Trim the Thick Veins**: Once the leaves are softened, trim the thick veins at the base of each cabbage leaf. This will make the leaves easier to roll up and prevent them from tearing. Set the leaves aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
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