Ingredients:
- For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 quart beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head.
- Submerge the cabbage head in the boiling water for a few minutes, or until the leaves are softened and can be easily removed.
- Drain the leaves and set aside.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, rice, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of a cabbage leaf.
- Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll up tightly.
- Repeat with the remaining filling and cabbage leaves.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the cabbage rolls, seam side down, and brown on all sides.
- Pour the beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, bay leaf, thyme, and red pepper flakes over the cabbage rolls.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the cabbage rolls are tender.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve the cabbage rolls hot, with additional sauce if desired.
Tips:
- For a more flavorful filling, add a pinch of your favorite spices, such as paprika, cumin, or nutmeg.
- If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or chicken broth.
- To make the cabbage rolls ahead of time, assemble them and freeze them uncooked. When ready to cook, thaw them completely before following the instructions.
Enjoy this hearty and delicious Polish classic!