Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic dish with variations across different cuisines, featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling. Here’s a basic overview of how to make them:
Ingredients:
- Cabbage: One large head, leaves separated and boiled to soften.
- Filling: Typically a mixture of ground beef, pork, or a combination, with rice, onions, garlic, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sauce: Often made with tomato sauce or a blend of tomato paste and broth, sometimes with a bit of sugar or vinegar for balance.
Instructions:
- Prep Cabbage: Boil the cabbage leaves until soft enough to roll.
- Make Filling: Cook rice, then mix with ground meat, sautéed onions, garlic, and seasonings.
- Roll: Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf, roll up, and tuck in the sides.
- Cook: Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish, cover with tomato sauce, and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Here are the ingredients commonly used for making stuffed cabbage rolls:
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage (leaves separated)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional, can use all beef)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 egg (beaten)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar (optional, for acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or bay leaves (optional for seasoning)