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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cabbage: Start by carefully removing the outer leaves of the cabbage, and then place the whole head in a large pot of boiling water. Allow the cabbage to boil for 5-10 minutes, or until the outer leaves soften and become pliable. Carefully peel off the softened leaves one by one. You may need to return the cabbage to the water a few times to soften additional layers. Set the cabbage leaves aside to cool slightly.
Once the leaves are cool enough to handle, use a knife to trim away the tough stem at the base of each leaf so that it’s easier to roll them.
2. Prepare the Meat Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or pork) with the finely chopped onion, cooked rice, salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, and egg. Mix the ingredients together until well combined. The egg helps bind the filling, ensuring it stays together as you roll the cabbage leaves.
3. Roll the Cabbage Leaves: Place a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and place it in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the cabbage over the filling, then carefully roll the leaf up from the base, tucking in the ends to form a neat, tight roll. Repeat this process until all of the filling is used and you have a nice stack of stuffed cabbage rolls.
4. Cook the Cabbage Rolls: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot to help seal them. You may need to arrange them in layers, depending on the size of your pot. Once all the cabbage rolls are in, pour the tomato sauce over them, then add the beef broth.
Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook the cabbage rolls for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, occasionally spooning some of the sauce over the rolls to keep them moist. The cabbage should become tender, and the filling will be fully cooked.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cabbage rolls are cooked, carefully remove them from the pot. Serve them with the tomato sauce and broth from the pot, spooned over the top. You can enjoy them on their own or with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Versatile Filling: You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste. While this recipe uses ground beef and rice, you can experiment with adding different vegetables or spices to the mixture, such as garlic, mushrooms, or herbs like dill or parsley. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to make it your own!
- Hearty and Filling: Cabbage rolls are incredibly filling and can serve as a complete meal. The combination of savory meat, rice, and tender cabbage provides the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Freezer-Friendly: If you have leftovers or want to make a big batch ahead of time, cabbage rolls freeze wonderfully. Just let them cool completely, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra sauce.
- Budget-Friendly: Cabbage rolls are an affordable meal that can feed a crowd. The ingredients are simple, and cabbage itself is often inexpensive, making this a great dish for those on a budget.
Tips for Perfection:
- Softer Cabbage Leaves: If you find it difficult to peel off the cabbage leaves or they’re too tough, you can try freezing the cabbage head for a few hours before boiling it. Freezing will help loosen the leaves and make them easier to work with.
- Flavor Variations: While this recipe uses tomato sauce and broth, feel free to experiment with different flavors. You can try using salsa, barbecue sauce, or a mixture of tomato paste and broth for a different sauce base.
- Cooking Time: If you prefer your cabbage rolls to be extra soft, you can simmer them for a longer period, up to 2 hours, on low heat. Just make sure to check the liquid level and add more broth or water if necessary.
Conclusion:
Cabbage rolls filled with meat are a classic comfort food that never fails to please. With their savory filling and tender cabbage wrapping, they’re a satisfying and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by everyone at the table. This easy recipe will have you making cabbage rolls regularly, and with the added benefit of leftovers or the option to freeze, you can enjoy them even when you’re short on time. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be making these tasty rolls for years to come!
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