Stuffed cabbage rolls a la Flory

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls a la Flory – A family recipe that blends tradition with flavor

Who can resist the enticing aroma of slowly cooked stuffed cabbage rolls, with the perfect blend of meat and spices? This stuffed cabbage rolls recipe a la Flory is a true culinary treasure, passed down through generations. Although I contributed nothing to the cooking process, merely capturing the moment with a camera, my wife, an expert in the art of making stuffed cabbage, has managed to turn simple ingredients into a true feast.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Making stuffed cabbage is not just a simple recipe, but a ritual that brings the family together, reminding us of the bountiful meals of our childhood. So, let's begin our culinary journey step by step.

Ingredients:
- 1 head of sweet cabbage
- 1 smoked pork knuckle (the upper part)
- 250 g of rice
- 500 g of minced meat (pork or beef, to taste)
- 6 large onions
- 1 bottle of tomato paste (approximately 400 g)
- 2 bunches of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh thyme
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of green onion tops
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- Salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and mixed vegetables (optional)

Preparation of stuffed cabbage rolls:
1. Prepare the cabbage: Start by removing the core from the head of cabbage. Then, put a large pot of water to boil. Add salt and vinegar to taste, to help the cabbage maintain its color and texture. Once the water has started boiling, add the cabbage and let it blanch for 10-15 minutes. After the leaves have softened, remove them and place them in another pot, adding a bunch of dill and fresh thyme, then pour in the water you used to blanch the cabbage. Cover the pot and let it sit until the next day to intensify the flavor.

2. Prepare the meat: Wash the pork knuckle and boil it in a pot of water and salt for about 1 hour, until tender. Once cooled, cut it into smaller pieces.

3. Make the filling: In a pan, sauté the onions in oil until they become translucent. Add sweet paprika, well-washed rice, minced meat, tomato paste, and finely chopped greens. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, mixing well to combine all the ingredients. The filling should be homogeneous but not too wet, so it doesn’t leak from the rolls.

4. Rolling the cabbage: Take a cabbage leaf and place a tablespoon of filling at the base of the leaf. Fold the side edges inward and roll the leaf, making sure the filling stays well sealed. Repeat this process for all the cabbage leaves.

5. Cooking the cabbage rolls: In a large pot, place the pork knuckle in the center, then tightly arrange the cabbage rolls around it without overcrowding. Pour in the water used to boil the meat until it reaches the level of the rolls. Cover the rolls with cabbage leaves and chopped cabbage, then add the remaining tomato paste. Make sure the rolls are well covered by placing a plate on top to keep them submerged. Let them simmer on low heat for about 2 hours, until the rolls become tender and the flavors meld together.

Helpful tips:
- Choose a larger cabbage with meaty leaves to get more substantial and tasty rolls.
- Pay attention to the spices; adjust them according to personal preferences. If you like spicier food, add a bit of hot pepper to the filling.
- You can use a mix of meats (pork and beef) for a more complex flavor.
- The rolls can be well preserved in the freezer, so don’t hesitate to make a larger batch.

Serving: These cabbage rolls are served with fresh homemade bread, as well as a spoonful of sour cream and grated cheese on top, for an extra flavor boost. A salad of pickled cabbage or a tomato salad with green onions are excellent accompaniments to complete the meal.

Nutritional benefits: Stuffed cabbage rolls are a rich source of protein due to the meat, and cabbage provides a significant amount of vitamins (C, K) and fiber. A serving of stuffed cabbage rolls has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use pickled cabbage?
Yes, but the rolls will have a more sour taste. Make sure to rinse them well before use.
- What other types of meat can I use?
You can experiment with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
- How can I vary the recipe?
Add mushrooms or other vegetables to the filling to vary the texture and taste.

I hope this stuffed cabbage rolls recipe a la Flory becomes an important part of your family meals, bringing not only flavor but also cherished memories. Enjoy your meal!