Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

• Comforting & Hearty: This dish is a complete meal packed with flavorful ingredients and a delicious sauce.
• Classic Comfort Food: A timeless recipe that has been enjoyed across many cultures, with variations in Eastern European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
• Versatile: You can customize the filling with different types of meat, grains, or vegetables.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals: These cabbage rolls can be prepared ahead of time and reheated for an easy dinner.

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Key Ingredients for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Cabbage

• Green cabbage works best for stuffed cabbage rolls as it’s sturdy yet tender when boiled. You can also use savoy cabbage for a more delicate texture.

2. Ground Meat

• A mix of ground beef and pork gives the filling a rich, flavorful base. You can use only beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

3. Rice

• White rice adds substance and texture to the filling. You can also use brown rice or other grains like quinoa for a healthier twist.

4. Onion & Garlic

• Finely chopped onions and garlic add depth and flavor to the filling.

5. Herbs & Spices

• Fresh parsley, dill, salt, and pepper season the filling. You can also add other herbs like thyme or marjoram for additional flavor.

6. Tomato Sauce

• A rich, tangy tomato sauce simmers the cabbage rolls to perfection. You can use canned crushed tomatoes, tomato passata, or homemade tomato sauce.

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How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core 1 large head of cabbage by cutting out the stem at the base. Submerge the cabbage in the boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the outer leaves are soft and pliable.
• Carefully peel off the outer leaves, one at a time, and place them on a tray. Repeat until you have about 12 large cabbage leaves. Set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

• In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1/2 cup uncooked white rice, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

• Place a cabbage leaf on a clean surface and add about 1/4 cup of the meat filling to the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up from the bottom, like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
• If your cabbage leaves are very large, you can cut off the thick stem at the base to make rolling easier.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 small onion (chopped) and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• Stir in 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Cook the Cabbage Rolls

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish in a single layer.
• Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, making sure they’re evenly covered. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked. Let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve

• Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with extra sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy with crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes!

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Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Blanch the Cabbage Properly

• Boil the cabbage just long enough to soften the leaves but not so much that they tear easily. This makes rolling easier while keeping the cabbage intact.

2. Adjust the Filling

• You can use a mixture of meats or substitute the rice with quinoa or barley for added texture and nutrition.

3. Use Enough Sauce

• Be generous with the tomato sauce to keep the cabbage rolls moist as they cook. The sauce also adds extra flavor to the dish.

4. Cover the Dish

• Make sure to cover the dish with foil while baking. This helps steam the cabbage rolls, keeping them tender and preventing the filling from drying out.

5. Make It Ahead

• Stuffed cabbage rolls are perfect for making ahead. Assemble them the day before, refrigerate, and bake them when ready. They also freeze well for later use.

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Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Replace the meat with a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and rice or quinoa for a hearty vegetarian version.

2. Polish Golabki

• A Polish version of stuffed cabbage rolls, typically made with ground pork or beef, rice, and spices, simmered in a tomato sauce. Sometimes bacon is added for extra flavor.

3. Middle Eastern Cabbage Rolls

• Add cinnamon, cumin, and allspice to the filling and serve with a yogurt or tahini sauce for a Middle Eastern twist.

4. Savory Mushroom & Barley Cabbage Rolls

• For a hearty vegetarian option, fill the cabbage leaves with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, cooked barley, and herbs.

5. Spicy Cabbage Rolls

• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick. You can also mix hot sauce or chili powder into the filling.

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FAQs: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Can I Freeze Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

• Yes! Stuffed cabbage rolls freeze well. Assemble the rolls and place them in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

2. What Can I Serve with Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

• Stuffed cabbage rolls are great with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a light green salad. For a more traditional meal, serve with sour cream on the side.

3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

• Absolutely. You can assemble the cabbage rolls a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

4. How Do I Prevent the Cabbage Leaves from Tearing?

• Blanch the cabbage leaves just long enough to soften them, and be gentle when handling them. If the leaves are too stiff, they may tear when rolling.

5. Can I Use Other Types of Meat?

• Yes, you can substitute the ground beef and pork with ground chicken, turkey, or even lamb for different flavors.

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