Stuffed cabbage rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Red Cabbage: A Traditional Delight with a Storybook Flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a symbol of hospitality and family gatherings, often prepared for holidays or family reunions. This recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls in red cabbage adds a splash of color and an unforgettable taste to your table. Red cabbage is not only a delicious ingredient but also brings additional nutrients and antioxidants, making this dish a healthy and tasty choice.

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 red cabbage (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 150 g rice
- 1 kg minced meat (pork, beef, or a combination)
- 1 large onion
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ½ l tomato puree (preferably homemade)
- 150 g bacon (or other smoked meat, optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or sunflower oil

1. Preparing the cabbage:
Start by removing the core of the red cabbage. To do this, cut out the central part of the cabbage, being careful not to damage the leaves. Then, place the cabbage in a large pot of boiling water. By blanching the cabbage, you will be able to easily separate the leaves.

After about 5-7 minutes, the leaves will begin to separate. Remove them from the water with a spatula and let them drain. Once you have removed all the leaves, cut the thicker veins so that they are easier to roll.

2. Preparing the filling:
Peel and finely chop the onion. In a pot, heat a little oil and add the onion. Sauté the onion over low heat for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. This is an important step as it will add sweetness to the filling.

Add the rice to the pot and mix well. Let it sauté together with the onion for another 2-3 minutes, then remove the pot from the heat. Now, combine this mixture with the minced meat, dill, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything very well so that all the ingredients are integrated.

3. Filling the cabbage rolls:
Place a cabbage leaf on your palm and put a tablespoon of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf. Rolling the cabbage roll is an art in itself! Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll tightly. Make sure the edges are well folded to avoid leakage of the filling during cooking.

Repeat the process until you exhaust all the mixture. If you have leftover leaves, cut them thin like noodles and save them for later use.

4. Cooking the cabbage rolls:
In a large pot, add some strips of chopped cabbage, thyme, and, if desired, a few pieces of bacon for extra flavor. Carefully arrange the cabbage rolls on top of this, placing them side by side.

Cover the rolls with the remaining sliced cabbage and add water until they are completely covered. Let them simmer on low heat for about an hour. Five minutes before the rolls are done, add the tomato puree, which will add a pleasant acidity and enhance the flavor.

5. Serving:
Once the cabbage rolls are cooked, carefully remove them from the pot and place them on a platter. They are delicious served with a spoonful of sour cream on top, which will add refined creaminess.

Helpful tips:
- You can also add other spices to taste, such as paprika or garlic.
- If you want to give them an even more intense flavor, let the cabbage rolls rest for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Cabbage rolls can be frozen, so you can prepare a larger batch and store them in the freezer for future meals.

Nutritional benefits:
Cabbage rolls are rich in protein due to the meat, and red cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. This recipe provides you with a balanced and healthy meal, ideal for the whole family.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time, so make sure to cook it separately before adding it to the filling.
- What other fillings can I use? You can experiment with chicken or turkey meat, or you can make a vegetarian version with vegetables and mushrooms.

Pairing suggestions:
These cabbage rolls are excellent alongside warm polenta and a pickled salad. Additionally, a dry red wine or a pale beer can perfectly complement the meal.

Enjoy your meal and remember: every cabbage roll has a story, so savor every bite!