Stuffed cabbage rolls

Delicious recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls

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

Stuffed cabbage rolls are an iconic dish, full of flavor and tradition. Every family has its own recipe, with variations that may include different types of meat, spices, and preparation techniques. This recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls is an excellent choice for a festive meal or a hearty dinner. Moreover, they taste even better the next day when the flavors have intensified. Let's get started!

Ingredients

- 1 kg ground chicken (or a mix of pork and beef for a richer taste)
- 5 tablespoons of rice
- 1 head of pickled cabbage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 200 ml water (for rice)
- 400 ml tomato paste (optional, for a rich sauce)

Necessary utensils

- A large bowl
- Deep pots or a baking tray
- A spatula or a spoon
- A knife and a cutting board
- A grater
- A frying pan for sautéing

Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the cabbage

1. Cabbage breakdown: Start by soaking the pickled cabbage in cold water for 30 minutes. This step helps reduce the sourness, making the rolls more pleasant to taste.
2. Removing the core: After the cabbage has soaked, carefully separate the leaves one by one and cut out the core of each leaf to make rolling easier.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. Meat mixture: In a large bowl, add the ground meat. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and dill. These herbs will add flavor to the filling.
2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a frying pan, add oil and sauté the onions and bell pepper for 5 minutes until they become translucent. Then add the grated carrot and sauté for another 2 minutes.
3. Preparing the rice: Add the rice and sweet paprika to the frying pan. Pour in 200 ml of water and let it boil until the rice swells. This step is essential as the rice will continue to absorb liquid while the rolls are cooking.
4. Combining the ingredients: Once the rice has swelled, let the mixture cool slightly, then add it to the bowl with the meat. Mix all the ingredients well until combined.

Step 3: Forming the rolls

1. Packing the filling: Take a cabbage leaf and place a tablespoon of the meat mixture at the base of the leaf. Roll tightly, tucking in the edges to seal the filling. Continue until you have used all the filling.
2. Base layer: In a large pot, place a layer of chopped cabbage at the bottom to prevent the rolls from sticking. Then, layer the rolls, followed by another layer of cabbage and a bay leaf.

Step 4: Cooking the rolls

1. Adding liquid: Once the pot is full, add water until the rolls are covered. You can also add the tomato paste for a richer sauce.
2. Baking: Cover the pot with a lid and place it in a preheated oven at 150°C for 2 hours. Slow cooking will allow the rolls to absorb all the flavors.

My personal tip

For an extra flavor boost, you can add a few slices of smoked meat (such as bacon or sausage) between the layers of rolls. This will add a delicious aroma and rich taste!

Serving

Stuffed cabbage rolls are excellent served hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top and possibly a slice of polenta on the side. A glass of white or red wine pairs perfectly with this meal, bringing a pleasant balance of flavors.

Nutritional information

Stuffed cabbage rolls are rich in protein due to the meat and contain carbohydrates from the rice. Cabbage provides a considerable amount of vitamins and minerals, also being a good source of fiber. A serving of stuffed cabbage rolls can have approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can use pork, beef, or a mix, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the rolls spicier?
Add some chili flakes to the filling for a spicy taste.

3. Can I freeze the rolls?
Sure! Stuffed cabbage rolls can be frozen before or after cooking. Make sure to let them cool completely and then wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

Possible variations

For a vegetarian option, you can replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms and finely chopped vegetables, adding spices to taste. Additionally, the rolls can be made with grape leaves, offering a distinct flavor.

Therefore, stuffed cabbage rolls are not only a delicious dish but also a part of our culinary tradition, bringing family and friends together around the table. So embrace this recipe and enjoy every bite!