Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Water, for blanching the cabbage leaves

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and blanch them in the water for 1-2 minutes, until they’re pliable. You can use a paring knife to cut out the tough stem at the base of each cabbage leaf if needed.
• After blanching, set the cabbage leaves aside to cool. You may need 12-15 leaves, depending on the size of your cabbage. Once cooled, pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked onion and garlic with ground beef, cooked rice, egg, and the seasonings (thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper). Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Cabbage Leaves

• Take each cabbage leaf and place a generous spoonful of the filling in the center. Fold in the sides of the leaf and then roll it up tightly, securing the filling inside.
• Repeat this process until all the cabbage leaves are stuffed.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

• In a large pot, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
• Once the sauce is simmering, arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in the pot, placing them seam-side down. Make sure they are tightly packed to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
• Spoon some of the sauce over the rolls to cover them. If needed, add a little water to ensure the cabbage rolls are submerged in the sauce.

Step 5: Simmer the Cabbage Rolls

• Cover the pot with a lid and let the cabbage rolls simmer over low heat for 1-1.5 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
• Check occasionally and spoon some sauce over the cabbage rolls to keep them moist. If the sauce reduces too much, you can add a little more water or broth.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Once the cabbage rolls are done, remove them from the pot and serve them hot. Spoon the tomato sauce over the top of each roll for extra flavor.
• You can garnish with a dollop of sour cream or fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Make Ahead: Stuffed cabbage rolls can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing and store them in an airtight container.
2. Adjust the Filling: The beauty of stuffed cabbage rolls is their versatility. You can experiment with different fillings, like adding mushrooms, zucchini, or sausage for additional flavor.
3. Use a Slow Cooker: If you prefer to cook your cabbage rolls in a slow cooker, you can follow the same process but cook them on low for about 4-6 hours. The result will be tender rolls and an incredibly rich sauce.
4. Add a Smoky Touch: For a smoky flavor, consider adding a smoked paprika or even a few slices of smoked sausage to the sauce.

Why You Should Try Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Hearty and Satisfying: This dish is perfect for a filling, wholesome meal that will keep you full and satisfied. The combination of meat, rice, and cabbage makes it a balanced and nutritious option.
• Comforting: The tomato-based sauce is tangy and rich, making the dish the ultimate comfort food.
• Customizable: Whether you like your rolls spicy, smoky, or packed with extra vegetables, you can tweak the filling and sauce to your taste.
• Great for Special Occasions: Stuffed cabbage rolls have a timeless quality that makes them perfect for holidays, family dinners, or gatherings with friends. They’re easy to make in large quantities and can feed a crowd.

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a delicious, comforting dish that brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of meat, rice, and spices, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce, create a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for the first time or it’s a beloved family recipe passed down through the years, stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. So roll up your sleeves and dive into this classic dish that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious!