Stuffed Cabbages Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls, or “cabbage rolls,” are a classic comfort food with many variations. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 cup rice, uncooked
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or cooked rice)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Cabbage:

1. Cook the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage (you can use a knife or a coring tool). Place the whole cabbage head in the boiling water. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the outer leaves are pliable. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly. Carefully peel off the large outer leaves, keeping them intact.

Prepare the Filling:

1. Cook the Rice: If you’re using uncooked rice, cook it according to the package instructions and let it cool.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice (or breadcrumbs), chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:

1. Prepare the Leaves: Lay one cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place a few tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf, near the stem end.
2. Roll the Cabbage: Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up from the bottom. Secure the roll with toothpicks if needed. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Prepare the Sauce:

1. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice (or vinegar), paprika, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Cook the Cabbage Rolls:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer and Bake: Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, making sure they are well covered.
3. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.
4. Serve: Let the cabbage rolls cool slightly before serving. They can be served with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Enjoy your homemade stuffed cabbage rolls! They’re a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for making ahead and freezing.