Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mixture of both)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully peel off the leaves. Blanch the cabbage leaves in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef/pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything together until fully combined.
3. Assemble the rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly, tucking in the edges as you go. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Prepare the sauce: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, season with salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir well and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook the cabbage rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls, covering them completely. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
6. Serve: Remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your stuffed cabbage rolls!