Stuffed Cabbages Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Comforting Family Recipe

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a beloved dish in many cultures. They consist of tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, all simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. It’s a perfect meal to serve during colder months or as a hearty dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein and vegetables, stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting, satisfying meal.
• Make Ahead: These rolls can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer. They only get better as the flavors meld together over time.
• Customizable: You can adjust the meat filling, rice, and sauce to your personal preferences. Add extra veggies or spices for a unique twist.

Ingredients for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage (green cabbage works best)
• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup cooked rice (white or brown rice)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a tangy kick)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven (for simmering the cabbage rolls)
• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet (for sautéing the onions and garlic)
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon for stuffing the cabbage rolls
• Large spoon for stirring the sauce

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Core the cabbage: Carefully cut the core out of the cabbage with a sharp knife. This will make it easier to peel off the cabbage leaves.
2. Blanch the cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently place the cabbage in the water and blanch for about 3-5 minutes until the leaves start to soften. You may need to remove a few outer leaves at a time and return the cabbage to the boiling water for additional leaves. Set the cabbage aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, sautéed onions and garlic, beaten egg, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

1. Remove leaves from the cabbage: Carefully peel the softened cabbage leaves away from the head, trimming the thick vein from the bottom of each leaf to make rolling easier.
2. Stuff the cabbage leaves: Place a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it tightly from the bottom up to encase the filling.
3. Repeat: Continue with the rest of the cabbage leaves and filling until all the rolls are made.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. Make the tomato sauce: In a bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar (optional), paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Cook the Cabbage Rolls

1. Layer the rolls: In a large Dutch oven or pot, spread a small amount of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the rolls, making sure they are covered by the sauce.
2. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together. Occasionally check to ensure the rolls are covered with sauce, adding a little water if necessary.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, serve the cabbage rolls hot with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Make them ahead: Stuffed cabbage rolls can be prepared a day or two in advance. Just store them in the fridge and reheat them on the stovetop or in the oven.
• Freeze for later: These rolls freeze well! After cooking, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven or simmer in the sauce.
• Add extra veggies: If you want to sneak in more vegetables, try adding chopped carrots or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
• Spicy kick: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Why Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Are So Popular

Stuffed cabbage rolls are enjoyed by people worldwide for several reasons:

• Rich, comforting flavors: The savory filling and tangy tomato sauce create a satisfying, hearty meal.
• A one-pot dish: With everything simmered together in one pot, it’s easy to prepare and clean up afterward.
• Tradition and heritage: Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic family dish,Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies often passed down through generations. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones at holidays and gatherings.
• Versatile: You can adjust the filling to your liking, whether you prefer beef, pork, chicken, or even a vegetarian version with lentils or mushrooms.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal (without sauce)
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

Conclusion

Stuffed cabbage rolls are the ultimate comfort food, combining savory meat, rice, and flavorful seasonings wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a holiday meal, or a cozy weekend gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and delicious. With their comforting, satisfying flavors, stuffed cabbage rolls are a meal that’s hard to resist!

This recipe includes everything you need to make stuffed cabbage rolls from Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choyscratch and provides helpful tips for making them even more delicious. Whether you’re familiar with the dish or trying it for the first time, it’s sure to be a hit!