To prepare a delicious stuffed cabbage dish, start by cutting the cabbage in half, making sure to remove the core which can be quite tough. This is an essential step to achieve tender and manageable leaves. Next, place a large pot of water on the stove and add salt, then bring the water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the cabbage leaves, allowing them to cook for 3 to 5 minutes. This process will make the leaves softer and more pliable, allowing them to be filled with the delicious filling we will prepare. After they have softened, remove the leaves from the water and cool them quickly by plunging them into cold water to stop the cooking process. Then place them in a colander to drain well.
Meanwhile, prepare the filling: in a large bowl, mix the minced meat with the onion and garlic, both finely chopped. Add the bread soaked in water, after it has been well squeezed, along with the mustard and the egg. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are perfectly blended. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare a heatproof dish that you will grease with oil, including the sides, to prevent sticking. Start by placing a layer of tomato puree at the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of cabbage leaves, overlapping them slightly. Continue the process by adding a layer of the meat mixture, followed by another layer of tomatoes and cabbage, repeating until all ingredients are used. Make sure the last layer consists of cabbage leaves, which will help keep the filling moist.
On top, evenly place the slices of bacon, which will add a savory flavor and a crispy texture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at a low temperature, allowing it to cook for about an hour. This time will allow the ingredients to meld together and the flavors to develop.
After an hour, remove the aluminum foil, pour the sour cream evenly on top, and place the dish back in the oven, this time uncovered, at high heat. Let it bake for about 20 minutes or until the bacon is nicely browned and crispy.
When ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the dish warm, adding, if desired, a tablespoon of thick sour cream on each portion. This recipe is not only a culinary delight but also a great way to bring the family together at the table, savoring every bite!
Meanwhile, prepare the filling: in a large bowl, mix the minced meat with the onion and garlic, both finely chopped. Add the bread soaked in water, after it has been well squeezed, along with the mustard and the egg. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are perfectly blended. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare a heatproof dish that you will grease with oil, including the sides, to prevent sticking. Start by placing a layer of tomato puree at the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of cabbage leaves, overlapping them slightly. Continue the process by adding a layer of the meat mixture, followed by another layer of tomatoes and cabbage, repeating until all ingredients are used. Make sure the last layer consists of cabbage leaves, which will help keep the filling moist.
On top, evenly place the slices of bacon, which will add a savory flavor and a crispy texture. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at a low temperature, allowing it to cook for about an hour. This time will allow the ingredients to meld together and the flavors to develop.
After an hour, remove the aluminum foil, pour the sour cream evenly on top, and place the dish back in the oven, this time uncovered, at high heat. Let it bake for about 20 minutes or until the bacon is nicely browned and crispy.
When ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the dish warm, adding, if desired, a tablespoon of thick sour cream on each portion. This recipe is not only a culinary delight but also a great way to bring the family together at the table, savoring every bite!
Ingredients
- 500 g minced mixed meat - 1 onion - 1-2 cloves of garlic - 1 slice of white bread, older than 1 day - 1 teaspoon mustard - 1 egg - 1 cabbage - approx. 1-1.5 kg - 1 can diced tomatoes in juice 800 g - slices of bacon - 150-200 g sour cream - oil - salt - pepper For serving: sour cream, optional