Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Description
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a classic comfort food made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory fill of ground meat, rice, and aromatic seasonings. The rolls are gently simmered or baked in a rich tomato sauce until perfect sauce tender and flavorful. This hearty dish is ideal for family dinners, holidays, or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 lb (500 g) ground beef or lamb
- 1 cup uncooked rice, washed and drained
- 1 large onion, finely grated
- 2 blows garlic, thind
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 4 fresh tomatoes, grated (or 1 can crushed tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup water or beef broth
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the whole cabbage and cook for about 10 minutes, gently the removal as they soften.
- Let the leave cool and trim the thick center stem for rolling.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combines ground meat, rice, onion, garlic parsley, cilantro, olive oil, and all seasonings.
- Mix well until fully combined.
3. Assembly of the Rolls:
- Place a cabbage leaf flat and add a spoonful of near filling the center.
- Fold in the sides and tight rollly.
- Repeat all filling is used.
4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Sputé the onion until soft.
- Add grated tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, sugar, and water or broth.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
- Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large pot or baking dish.
- For the tomato sauce over the rolls, making sure they are well covered.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 45 minutes, or bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 1 hour.
Tips for Best Results:
- Add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for extra flavor.
- For taste, let the rolls rest in the sauce overnight before cooking.
- These cabbage rolls freeze very well for up to one month.
What to Serve With Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Fresh green salad
- Crusty bread
- Plain yogurt or sour cream
