Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food that brings together tender cabbage leaves filled with a delicious mixture of ground meat, rice, and sautéed vegetables, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Let’s get started on making these flavorful rolls!
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- Young cabbage – 1200 g
- Beef – 500 g
- Chicken thigh fillet – 300 g
- Rice – 120 g (cooked until half-done)
- Onion – 180 g
- Carrot – 150 g
- Butter – 20 g
- Salt – 0.5 tsp
- Ground black pepper – 1/3 tsp
- 100 ml of stock (for keeping the rolls moist)
For the Sauce:
- Sautéed vegetables (onions and carrots)
- Flour – 2 tbsp
- Tomato paste – 100 g
- Water – 1 l (used to blanch the cabbage)
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Sugar – 2 tsp
- Ground black pepper – 1/3 tsp
- Sweet paprika – 1 tsp
- Dried garlic – 1 tsp
- Sour cream – 1.5 tbsp
- Bay leaves – 3-4 pcs
- Allspice berries – 5-6 pcs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
- Boil the Cabbage:
- Remove the core from the cabbage and place the head in boiling water for a few minutes until the leaves start to soften.
- Carefully remove the leaves one by one and set them aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a pan, sauté the finely chopped onion and grated carrot in butter until softened. Let it cool.
- Grind the Meat:
- Grind the beef and chicken thigh fillet together in a meat grinder.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meats, cooked rice, sautéed onions and carrots, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll the Cabbage Leaves:
- Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat mixture on the edge. Roll the leaf, tucking in the sides to secure the filling. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
- Cook the Sauce:
- In the same pan used for the onions and carrots, add a bit more oil if needed and sprinkle in the flour. Stir and cook until it starts to turn golden.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Gradually pour in the water (used to blanch the cabbage), stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add salt, sugar, black pepper, sweet paprika, dried garlic, sour cream, bay leaves, and allspice berries. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Step 5: Cook the Cabbage Rolls
- Simmer the Rolls:
- Place the cabbage rolls in a large pot, packing them snugly. Pour the sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage and filling are tender.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve Hot:
- Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the pot and serve hot, drizzled with the rich tomato sauce.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy your delicious homemade stuffed cabbage rolls!
Tips for Success
- Softening Cabbage Leaves: Boil the cabbage leaves just enough to make them pliable for rolling, but not too soft.
- Even Rolling: Ensure the filling is evenly distributed and the leaves are rolled tightly to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
- Flavorful Sauce: Simmer the sauce well to let all the flavors meld together for a rich, savory taste.
Health Benefits
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a nutritious and balanced meal. They provide protein from the meat, fiber from the cabbage, and essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use other types of meat?
A: Yes, you can substitute the beef and chicken with pork, turkey, or a mix of your preferred meats.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the rolls and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them. Cook them just before serving.
Q: What can I serve with these cabbage rolls?
A: Serve the cabbage rolls with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic and comforting dish that brings together rich flavors and hearty ingredients. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy making and eating these delicious rolls, and explore more of our recipes for additional culinary inspiration!