Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – Page 2

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 cups crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce) – Forms the base of the sauce, providing a rich and tangy flavor.
1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version) – Adds depth to the sauce.
1 tablespoon brown sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with a touch of sweetness.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a savory, umami flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika – Adds smokiness and complexity to the sauce.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – Complements the herbs in the filling and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic.

How to Make Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Core the Cabbage: Carefully remove the core from the cabbage by cutting a cone-shaped incision around the base of the stem.
Blanch the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole cabbage and blanch it for about 2-3 minutes, or until the outer leaves become soft and pliable. You may need to remove the leaves in batches as they soften. Be careful when handling the leaves, as they can be quite hot.
Set the Leaves Aside: Once the leaves are tender, carefully remove them and set them aside to cool. Trim any thick veins from the center of the leaves to make them easier to roll.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Cook the Rice: If you haven’t already cooked the rice, prepare it according to the package instructions. You’ll need about 1 cup of cooked rice for the filling.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.
Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or your choice of meat), cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, egg, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

Fill the Cabbage Leaves: Lay one cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture at the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides and then roll up the leaf, ensuring the filling is secure inside. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
Arrange the Rolls: Place the rolled cabbage leaves seam side down in a large baking dish or Dutch oven. Try to pack them in tightly to keep them from unraveling during cooking.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce

Prepare the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and oregano. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Simmer the Cabbage Rolls

Pour the Sauce Over the Rolls: Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the stuffed cabbage rolls, making sure they’re well-covered. If there isn’t enough sauce to cover the rolls completely, you can add a little more broth or water to top them off.
Cover and Cook: Cover the baking dish or Dutch oven with a lid or foil and place it in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Check Occasionally: Halfway through the cooking process, check the rolls. If needed, you can spoon some of the sauce over the top of the rolls to keep them moist.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Rolls: Once the cabbage rolls are tender and the flavors have blended, remove them from the oven. Serve them hot with a generous spoonful of the tomato sauce and any side dishes of your choice (mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a green salad are great options).

Tips for Perfect Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Make Ahead: Stuffed cabbage rolls are even better the next day! You can prepare them a day in advance and refrigerate them before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for an easier meal prep option.
Freeze for Later: These rolls freeze wonderfully! After assembling the rolls, you can freeze them before cooking. Just wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To cook, simply bake them from frozen, increasing the cooking time by about 30 minutes.
Add Spice: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Version: You can make these cabbage rolls vegetarian by substituting the ground meat with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a mixture of grains and beans.

Conclusion: A Hearty, Classic Comfort Dish

Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a timeless comfort food that brings warmth, flavor, and nourishment to your table. With their tender cabbage leaves, savory meat filling, and rich tomato sauce, they’re the perfect dish for feeding a crowd or enjoying on a cozy night in. Plus, they’re easily customizable, freezer-friendly, and ideal for meal prep, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.

Next time you’re craving a comforting, wholesome dish, give this classic recipe a try. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds!

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