Cabbage rolls in pickled cabbage leaves

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Traditional Delight

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a symbol of hospitality and a love for food, often served at the most important festive meals and family gatherings. These remnants of culinary tradition are typically prepared on colder days when the pleasant aroma of the dish fills the entire house. Today, I will guide you step by step in making delicious stuffed cabbage rolls with a perfect blend of meat, rice, and spices that will turn any meal into a celebration.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

1 kg mixed meat (beef and pork)
100 g smoked bacon (or smoked pork belly)
1 cup rice (approximately 200 g)
2 large onions
3 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
pepper to taste
bay leaves
1 pickled cabbage (or approximately 1.5 kg)
250 ml tomato juice (or 200 g tomato paste)
salt to taste

Preparing the cabbage rolls:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by finely chopping the smoked bacon and meat. You can ask the butcher to grind the meat for you, ensuring a homogeneous mixture. Chop the onion finely, then sauté it in a pan with the 3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat until it becomes translucent. This will add a special flavor to your cabbage rolls.

Step 2: Cook the rice
The rice needs to be washed in several waters until the water runs clear. After the onion is sautéed, add the rice to the pan and mix well. Add a teaspoon of sweet paprika, which will give a beautiful color and pleasant taste to the dish. This step is essential for the rice to absorb the flavors of the cabbage rolls well.

Step 3: Prepare the filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the onion and rice mixture. Add salt, pepper, and mix well so that all the ingredients blend together. It is important for all the flavors to combine to achieve a rich taste.

Step 4: Prepare the cabbage leaves
Separate the pickled cabbage leaf by leaf. Rinse each leaf under cold running water to remove excess salt. The remaining core of the cabbage, which cannot be used for the rolls, should be finely chopped and used as a base in the cooking pot.

Step 5: Start assembling
In a large pot, place a layer of chopped cabbage on the bottom. Then, take a tablespoon of the meat and rice filling and wrap it in the cabbage leaves, forming rolls. Arrange the rolls in the pot in layers, adding slices of smoked bacon or pork belly between the layers, if you prefer. This will add a smoky flavor and a crispy texture.

Step 6: Boil the cabbage rolls
Once all the rolls are arranged, cover them with the remaining chopped cabbage. Pour the tomato juice or diluted tomato paste over the rolls. Add bay leaves for extra flavor. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer over medium heat for about 2 hours. It is important to check occasionally and add water if necessary to avoid burning.

Step 7: Brown the cabbage rolls
After about an hour and a half, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Transfer the pot (if oven-safe) or take the rolls and place them in a baking dish. Brown them in the oven for about 30 minutes, until a golden crust forms on top. This step will intensify the flavors and add an appetizing appearance.

Step 8: Serving
The cabbage rolls are served hot, alongside a portion of steaming polenta and fresh hot peppers. They pair perfectly with sour cream, which will add a delightful creaminess. If you want to impress your guests, you can also add a few fresh parsley leaves on top for a colorful touch.

Useful tips for a successful recipe:
- Choose high-quality pickled cabbage, as it will influence the final taste of the rolls.
- You can experiment with spices by adding dill or thyme for extra flavor.
- If you prefer less acidic rolls, you can use fresh cabbage leaves, but you will need to boil them longer to soften.
- Instead of bacon, you can add some pieces of smoked pork for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Cabbage rolls are an excellent source of protein due to the meat and rice mixture. Pickled cabbage is rich in probiotics, with its digestive health benefits being well recognized. Additionally, this dish is a great choice for family meals as it is hearty and nutritious.

Calories:
A serving of cabbage rolls (approximately 2-3 rolls) contains around 250-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This makes cabbage rolls a healthier option compared to other heavier traditional dishes.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I make the cabbage rolls in advance?
Yes, you can make the cabbage rolls a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. The flavor will improve as the ingredients meld together.
2. Can I freeze the cabbage rolls?
Yes, cabbage rolls can be frozen. Make sure to cool them completely before placing them in freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use turkey or chicken meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute pork or beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Recipe pairings:
These cabbage rolls pair perfectly with warm polenta, but feel free to serve them alongside a fresh cabbage salad or a tomato and cucumber salad. Additionally, a glass of red wine will perfectly complement the meal, adding an extra touch of refinement.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to try this delicious recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls! Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent with your loved ones. Bon appétit!