Special Sarma

Special Cabbage Rolls: A Traditional Recipe with a Delicious Twist

Cabbage rolls are a symbol of togetherness and the weaving of family bonds. This special recipe brings a touch of innovation to the tradition of making them, transforming them into a feast of flavors and textures. Get ready to enjoy a culinary experience that will delight not only your taste buds but also your soul!

Preparation Time
- Soaking time: 8 hours (overnight)
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1-1.5 hours
- Total time: 9 hours
- Servings: 6-8

Ingredients
- 1 pickled cabbage (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 250 g smoked sausages (preferably)
- 250 g smoked bacon
- 750 g ground pork
- 150 g lard
- 100-150 g rice
- 2 medium onions
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Oil (or lard) for frying
- Salt, pepper, thyme, sweet paprika to taste

A Bit of History
Cabbage rolls have a long history, being prepared for centuries in various cultures. Whether filled with meat, rice, or vegetables, each region has its unique recipe. This version adds a special touch thanks to the combination of ground meat, sausages, and bacon, offering a depth of flavor that will delight your guests.

Step by Step: How to Prepare Special Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Soaking the Cabbage
Start by soaking the cabbage. Place the pickled cabbage in a container with cold water and let it sit overnight. This process will reduce the saltiness, making the leaves easier to work with.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling
1. Chopping the onions: Finely chop the two onions. You can use a sharp knife or a food processor to save time.
2. Sautéing the onions: In a large skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onions over medium heat. Stir frequently until they turn golden.
3. Adding the meat: Add the ground pork to the onions, seasoning with salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well and let it cook for 5-7 minutes.
4. Cooking the rice: In another pot, cook the rice with 1-2 cubes of broth. Let it simmer, and when the water reduces, drain it well.
5. Final mixture: Add the cooked rice to the meat and onion mixture, along with 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Preparing the Filling Ingredients
1. Cabbage leaves: Remove the cabbage leaves from the brine and rinse them in cold water. Choose the larger leaves for wrapping the filling.
2. Preparing the sausages and bacon: Cut the sausages into pieces about 8 cm long and slice the bacon thinly. Lightly fry them in a skillet until golden, then place them on a paper towel to absorb excess fat.

Step 4: Wrapping the Cabbage Rolls
On each cabbage leaf, place a slice of bacon, a piece of sausage, and a portion of the meat filling. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if necessary.

Step 5: Cooking the Cabbage Rolls
1. Preparing the dish: Grease a ceramic dish with oil. Chop the remaining cabbage finely and place it at the bottom of the dish to prevent the rolls from sticking.
2. Arranging the cabbage rolls: Arrange the rolls in the dish, alternating layers with pieces of fried bacon. Season with paprika, pepper, and a bit of thyme if desired.
3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and let it bake for 1-1.5 hours.
4. Finishing: Once the rolls are cooked, add diluted tomato paste over them and let simmer for another 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Useful Tip
For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a few bay leaves during cooking. Also, if you like spicier rolls, you can add some finely chopped hot peppers to the filling mixture.

Serving
Cabbage rolls are served hot, alongside a generous portion of steaming polenta and sour cream. A glass of red wine would perfectly complement the meal, adding a touch of elegance.

Nutritional Benefits
This recipe offers an excellent combination of protein from the meat and carbohydrates from the rice. Pickled cabbage is a good source of vitamins and probiotics, supporting digestive health.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes, you can substitute pork with chicken or turkey, although the flavor will be different.

2. How can I store cabbage rolls for a longer time?
Cabbage rolls can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for later consumption.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using vegetables, mushrooms, and rice as filling, omitting the meat.

Creative Variations
- Fish rolls: Replace the meat with minced fish and add specific spices for a surprising twist.
- Vegan rolls: Use mushrooms and chopped vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.

Personal Note
This recipe for special cabbage rolls was inspired by my grandmother's recipes and brings a pleasant memory of childhood to every meal. Don't forget to cook with love and share the joy of the meal with your loved ones!

Enjoy your meal!