Stuffed Cabbage Rolls A Comforting Classic with a Twist

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Comforting Classic with a Twist

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Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic dish found in various cuisines across the world. Whether you’re preparing them for a family meal or a special occasion, they never fail to impress. These rolls are a perfect combination of tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, all topped with a flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe takes traditional stuffed cabbage rolls and gives them a twist by infusing unique seasonings, making them a mouthwatering and comforting choice for any dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of cabbage
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground pork or a mix of both)
  • 1/2 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cabbage by carefully removing the outer leaves of the head. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and blanch the cabbage leaves for about 2 minutes until they soften. Let them cool and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, chopped parsley, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
  4. Carefully lay out the cabbage leaves and trim the thick vein at the base of each leaf so they can roll more easily.
  5. Place a generous spoonful of the meat and rice mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat with all cabbage leaves.
  6. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot, packing them tightly together.
  7. In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Pour this sauce mixture over the cabbage rolls.
  8. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the cabbage rolls cook for about 1 hour, occasionally spooning the sauce over them to keep them moist.
  9. Once the cabbage rolls are tender and the flavors have melded, remove from heat and serve. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Conclusion

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a hearty, flavorful dish that brings comfort to any table. The combination of tender cabbage, savory filling, and rich tomato sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for any time of year, these rolls are especially ideal for cold-weather months when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Whether you stick with the classic ingredients or experiment with seasonings, these stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to become a family favorite.

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