old fashioned st…ed cabbage rolls – Page 2

Instructions for Making Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully cut out the core of the cabbage with a sharp knife, making a “V” shape to remove the tough stem.
Place the whole cabbage head in the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the outer leaves begin to soften.
Gently peel off the outer leaves, one at a time, and set them aside to cool. Continue boiling and removing leaves until you have about 12 large, intact cabbage leaves.
Trim any thick veins from the center of each cabbage leaf to make them easier to roll.

Step 2: Make the Meat Filling

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or pork), cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling tough.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
Fold in the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll up the cabbage leaf tightly, securing the filling inside. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce (if using), basil, salt, and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking by adding more sugar or vinegar.

Step 5: Cook the Cabbage Rolls

In a large, deep pot or Dutch oven, pour a small amount of the tomato sauce to coat the bottom of the pot. Arrange the cabbage rolls in a single layer in the pot, seam-side down.
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, making sure they are well-covered with sauce. If necessary, add a little water or broth to ensure the rolls are submerged.
Cover the pot with a lid and bring the sauce to a simmer over low heat. Cook the cabbage rolls for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is fully cooked. Be sure to check occasionally, and if the sauce reduces too much, add a bit of water or extra tomato sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cabbage rolls are cooked through, serve them hot with a generous spoonful of tomato sauce from the pot. You can serve them with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.

Serving Suggestions

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce from the cabbage rolls.
Crusty Bread: A slice of fresh, crusty bread is great for soaking up the savory tomato sauce.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the cabbage rolls.
Pickles or Sauerkraut: If you love a bit of tang, serve your cabbage rolls with pickles or sauerkraut on the side.

Tips for Perfect Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Blanching the Cabbage: If you don’t want to boil the whole cabbage, you can carefully cut the leaves off one at a time and blanch them in hot water for a minute or two until they soften.
Customize the Filling: Add vegetables like chopped carrots or bell peppers to the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
Make Ahead: These cabbage rolls can be made ahead of time. Simply assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. They can also be frozen before cooking for up to 3 months.
Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, you can cook the cabbage rolls in a slow cooker. Arrange them in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over them, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Storing and Leftovers

Refrigeration: Leftover stuffed cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop with extra sauce if necessary.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked cabbage rolls for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Reheat them in the oven or stovetop, adding a bit of sauce to keep them moist.

Final Thoughts

Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a quintessential comfort food that never goes out of style. This dish is a perfect example of simple ingredients coming together to create a meal that’s both hearty and delicious. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or for a cozy night in, stuffed cabbage rolls are guaranteed to satisfy. With tender cabbage, flavorful filling, and a savory tomato sauce, it’s a dish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy a taste of tradition with this timeless recipe!

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