Cabbage rolls with smoked ham

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Smoked Ham – A Feast of Flavors

Stuffed cabbage rolls are one of the most beloved traditional dishes, often associated with holidays and family gatherings. This special recipe with smoked ham adds a refined touch and an unmistakable flavor, transforming this classic dish into a delicacy worthy of the most festive occasions. Let’s explore together each step of this delicious recipe, along with some useful tips that will help you achieve the perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

- 500 g minced meat (pork or a mix of meats)
- 500 g smoked ham (without rind)
- 200 g sausage
- 200 g rice
- 2 pickled cabbages
- 2 onions
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 bunch of dill
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 300 ml tomato juice
- 100 ml ketchup
- 5 tablespoons of oil
- Thyme
- Bay leaves
- Sweet and hot paprika
- Salt, pepper, paprika

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cutting the smoked ham into small pieces after removing the rind. Then, finely chop it or use a food processor to achieve a uniform texture. This step is essential to ensure an even distribution of flavors in the filling.

2. Sauté the onion:
In a non-stick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. This process will bring out the natural sweetness of the onion, which will perfectly complement the cabbage rolls.

3. Mixing the filling:
After the onion has sautéed, add the chopped ham. Season with pepper, paprika, thyme, and chopped greens (dill and parsley). Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes. Then, add the washed and drained rice, stirring constantly. Leave on the heat until the rice swells slightly and the liquid has reduced.

4. Combining the ingredients:
Pour the onion and ham mixture over the minced meat. Add the remaining ketchup, a dash of pepper, and homogenize the filling. Make sure all ingredients are well integrated to achieve a uniform taste.

5. Wrapping the cabbage rolls:
Take the pickled cabbage leaves and, using a spoon, place a portion of the filling on each leaf. Roll them tightly, ensuring that the filling does not spill out during cooking. Place the cabbage rolls on a platter.

6. Preparing the cooking pot:
In a cast-iron pot, place a layer of chopped cabbage on the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls radially, interspersing pieces of tomatoes and sliced sausage between them. Repeat this process for each layer, ensuring that you cover with cabbage, tomato slices, and sausage at the end.

7. Adding the liquid:
Pour the tomato juice and water until the cabbage rolls are covered, but not excessively. Sprinkle thyme and add 5-6 bay leaves for extra flavor.

8. Cooking the cabbage rolls:
Preheat the oven to low temperature. Place the pot in the oven and let it simmer for one hour. Check periodically and add water if necessary, as the rice will absorb the liquid. Finally, cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for another 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and let it brown for 20 minutes.

9. Serving:
Arrange the cabbage rolls on a large platter, alongside chopped cabbage, pieces of sausage and ham, tomato slices, and garnish with fresh greens. Serve with sour cream and polenta for a complete culinary experience.

Useful tips:

- Smoked ham: Choose a quality ham with a pronounced flavor. This will give the cabbage rolls a distinct and aromatic taste.
- Cabbage: If the pickled cabbages are too salty, you can rinse them lightly under cold water before use.
- Rice: Using long-grain rice will add a pleasant texture to the cabbage rolls. Make sure to wash it well before adding it to the filling.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as beef or turkey, for a lighter version. Additionally, adding spices like marjoram or garlic can enrich the flavors.

Nutritional information:

This recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with smoked ham offers a delicious combination of proteins and carbohydrates, also having a rich fiber content due to the cabbage and rice. A serving of cabbage rolls (about 2-3 rolls) contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use chicken instead of pork? Yes, chicken is a lighter alternative and will pair very well with the smoked ham.
- What other side dishes go well with cabbage rolls? Polenta and sour cream are the most popular, but you can also try mashed potatoes or a vegetable salad.
- How can I store cabbage rolls? You can keep them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze them for later use.

This recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with smoked ham is perfect for enjoying with loved ones, bringing a touch of tradition and refinement to your table. Enjoy your meal!