Cabbage rolls with pork

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Pork – The Perfect Recipe for Home Comfort

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a symbol of culinary tradition, often associated with festive meals and family gatherings. Their savory and aromatic taste, combined with a soft texture and rich fillings, makes them a beloved dish for everyone. Today, I will share my recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with pork, along with some useful tips to make them unforgettable. This is a simple recipe, but full of flavors, perfect to be prepared with love and patience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 pickled cabbage (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 1 kg ground pork
- 200 g smoked bacon, diced
- 100 g rice for stuffed cabbage
- 1 large onion, grated
- 1 tablespoon of stuffed cabbage spices (Kamis is an excellent choice)
- 2 teaspoons of thyme
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 550 ml tomato juice
- 200 ml water
- 40 ml oil (optional)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the cabbage: The night before you start cooking, soak the pickled cabbage in cold water to reduce the saltiness. If you don’t have time, you can pour 2 batches of boiling water over it and then let it drain well. This will help reduce the intensity of the salt in the cabbage, ensuring the rolls are delicious, not salty.

2. Separating the leaves: Cut the core of the cabbage and separate the most beautiful leaves. It is important to choose large and intact leaves for the filling, and you can finely chop the leftovers and keep them for the base layer.

3. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, mix the ground pork with the grated onion, rice, salt, pepper, and stuffed cabbage spices. Make sure everything is well combined. A good idea is to prepare a small test-fry to check the filling's taste and adjust the spices to your liking.

4. Filling the cabbage leaves: Take a cabbage leaf, place 1-2 tablespoons of filling at the base of the leaf, then roll the leaf and fold the edges to close the roll. Repeat until the filling is finished; you should get about 25-30 rolls.

5. Assembling the dish: In a ceramic dish, place a layer of chopped pickled cabbage. If desired, you can add 40 ml of oil for extra flavor. Add 150 ml of tomato juice and 1 teaspoon of thyme. This layer will prevent the rolls from sticking to the bottom of the dish.

6. Arranging the rolls: Place a first layer of rolls, then add more chopped cabbage, another layer of tomato juice, diced smoked bacon, and continue with another layer of rolls. Repeat the process until the dish is full. Finally, add the remaining tomato juice, thyme, and water to cover everything.

7. Cooking: Place the lid on the dish and put it in the preheated oven at 165-170 degrees Celsius for about 4 hours. It is important to place a tray of water underneath to prevent spills in the oven.

8. Serving: Once the rolls are cooked and the flavors have combined, you can serve them with polenta, sour cream, and hot peppers for an extra kick.

Personal note: These rolls are perfect for preparing in advance. They keep very well in the refrigerator and even become more delicious the next day when the flavors have time to intensify. You can try serving them with a chilled white wine to highlight the rich flavors of the dish.

Nutritional benefits: Stuffed cabbage rolls are a good source of protein due to the pork and rice, while the cabbage provides significant amounts of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They contribute to a balanced and healthy diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use different meat? Yes, you can experiment with beef or a combination of pork and beef for a different taste.

2. How can I make the rolls spicier? Add chopped hot peppers to the filling or serve them with spicy sauce.

3. Can I freeze the rolls? Yes, the rolls freeze very well. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in airtight containers.

Serving suggestions: These rolls can be accompanied by a fresh summer salad or creamy polenta, and for extra flavor, don’t forget the sour cream!

Now that you have all the necessary details, all the ingredients, and the steps clearly explained, all that’s left is to start cooking and enjoy your dish. Your stuffed cabbage rolls with pork will surely become the stars of the meal! Enjoy your meal!