Cabbage rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

To make the cabbage leaves easy to roll, you’ll need to blanch the cabbage.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage. Then, place the whole head of cabbage in the boiling water.
3. Blanch the cabbage by allowing it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, until the outer leaves become soft and pliable.
4. Remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool slightly. Gently peel off the leaves one at a time. Set the leaves aside to cool completely.

Tip: If you’re having trouble getting the cabbage leaves to peel off easily, you can carefully cut out the thick vein of the cabbage leaves with a knife to make them more flexible.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the cabbage is cooling, it’s time to make the filling.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. The rice adds bulk to the filling, while the meat and onion provide richness and flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

Now comes the fun part — rolling the cabbage!

1. Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board. Trim off any tough stems at the bottom of the leaf to make it easier to roll.
2. Place a generous spoonful of the filling in the center of the cabbage leaf.
3. Fold the sides of the cabbage leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom, creating a neat little package. Repeat this process with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce

While you’re assembling the cabbage rolls, it’s a good idea to get the tomato sauce ready. This sauce is what makes the cabbage rolls so flavorful!

1. In a saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and develop a rich, tangy flavor.

Step 5: Cook the Cabbage Rolls

Once the cabbage rolls are assembled and the sauce is ready, it’s time to cook everything together.

1. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom.
2. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, packing them in tightly so they don’t unroll during cooking.
3. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they’re completely covered.
4. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften even further.
5. After the cooking time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to get slightly browned and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cabbage rolls are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve them with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal. Don’t forget to spoon a bit of that rich tomato sauce over the top!

Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls

• Use a large head of cabbage: You’ll want enough leaves to roll up all the filling, so be sure to choose a cabbage with plenty of outer leaves.
• Make it ahead of time: Cabbage rolls are a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble them the day before and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.
• Vegetarian option: Swap the ground meat for a combination of lentils, mushrooms, or tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also add extra veggies to the filling, like carrots or zucchini, for added texture and flavor.
• Freeze leftovers: If you have any leftover cabbage rolls, they freeze beautifully. Just store them in an airtight container with sauce and reheat them when needed.

Conclusion

Cabbage rolls are the perfect meal for when you want something hearty, flavorful, and comforting. The combination of savory ground meat, tender cabbage leaves, and rich tomato sauce creates a dish that will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites. Whether you’re making them for a special family dinner or preparing them in advance for easy meals throughout the week, cabbage rolls are a timeless dish that will always be a hit. Try this recipe and enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of this classic comfort food!