Classic Cabbage Rolls

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:

• Start by carefully removing the core of the cabbage. You can use a sharp knife to cut around the base of the cabbage to remove it.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Carefully drop the whole cabbage head into the water and cook it for about 5-7 minutes, until the outer leaves are soft and pliable.
• Once the leaves are tender, carefully remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly. Gently peel off the outer leaves and set them aside. You’ll need about 10-12 leaves.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. If you’re using a mixture of meats, like beef and pork, it will add extra flavor and richness to the filling.

3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:

• Take one cabbage leaf and cut out the stem at the bottom, making it easier to roll.
• Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the cabbage over the filling and then roll it tightly from the bottom up, securing the filling inside.
• Repeat this process with the remaining leaves and filling until all the cabbage rolls are made.

4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, and thyme. Stir to combine, and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls:

• In a large baking dish or Dutch oven, place the cabbage rolls side by side, stacking them tightly to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
• Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, covering them completely. If needed, add a little water to ensure the rolls are fully submerged.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting into one of the rolls to ensure the rice is cooked.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the cabbage rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for added flavor.

Why Cabbage Rolls Are So Delicious:

• Tender and Flavorful: The cabbage wraps hold in all the juicy flavors of the meat and rice filling while becoming tender during the long cooking process in the tomato sauce.
• Savory Tomato Sauce: The homemade tomato sauce adds the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors to the dish, enhancing the overall taste and helping to cook the cabbage rolls to perfection.
• Satisfying and Hearty: This dish is the perfect comfort food, offering a filling and nourishing meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Freezing: Cabbage rolls freeze beautifully! Once assembled, you can place the rolls in a freezer-safe container with sauce and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Refrigerating: You can make the cabbage rolls a day ahead and refrigerate them in the sauce. Just bake them the next day, and they’ll taste just as fresh and delicious.

Serving Suggestions:

• Bread: Serve your cabbage rolls with a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up any leftover tomato sauce.
• Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add some freshness to the meal.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on the side is a classic accompaniment to cabbage rolls and adds a creamy, tangy element to the dish.

Conclusion:

Classic cabbage rolls are a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. With tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory blend of meat, rice, and herbs, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday, a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, cabbage rolls are a dish that brings everyone together. Try this recipe, and you’ll see why it’s been a favorite for generations.