Classic Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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Classic Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Ingredients:
For the Cabbage Rolls:

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cabbage:
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully place the head in the boiling water.
  • Boil for about 2-3 minutes, then remove the cabbage and gently peel off the outer leaves. Repeat this process until you have about 12-15 large leaves.
  • Cut a V-shaped notch to remove the thick stem from each leaf, making it easier to roll.
  1. Make the Filling:
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  1. Roll the Cabbage:
  • Place about 2-3 tablespoons of filling at the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly to enclose the filling.
  • Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
  1. Prepare the Sauce:
  • In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
  • Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
  1. Bake the Cabbage Rolls:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Pour the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls in the baking dish, ensuring they are well-covered.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
  1. Serve:
  • Let the cabbage rolls rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

These cabbage rolls are delicious on their own or served with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Enjoy

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