Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat and rice, simmered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. A comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or pork (or a mix)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully peel off the leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Take a cabbage leaf and place 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
- Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large pot or casserole dish. Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Cover the pot and simmer gently on low heat for 45-60 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Enjoy this hearty and delicious classic!