Stuffed cabbage rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Meat and Rice - Delicious Traditional Recipe

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a dish that evokes memories of festive meals, family gatherings, and culinary traditions that connect us. These tasty rolls, filled with meat and rice, are infused with flavors and are often served with sour cream and polenta. This simple and quick recipe for stuffed cabbage promises to be a guaranteed success, both for those preparing it and for those enjoying it.

Preparation Time
- Prep time: 40 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Servings: 6-8

Ingredients
- 1 kg ground pork
- 5 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 bell peppers, finely chopped
- 1 packet of seasoning for stuffed cabbage (or a mix of dried dill, dried thyme, and pepper)
- 3 large cabbages (or 2 smaller ones)
- 250 g rice
- Pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 250 ml tomato sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons sunflower oil
- Fresh or dried dill, for serving

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Filling
1. In a large skillet, add the oil and sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Add the chopped bell peppers and spices (dill, thyme, pepper) to the skillet. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Finally, add the paprika, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring to combine with the vegetables. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4. Add the rice to the meat and vegetable mixture and mix well. The rice will absorb the flavors and enrich the filling.

Step 2: Preparing the Cabbage
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and vinegar (this will help preserve the color of the cabbage).
2. Remove the core from the cabbage. When the water is boiling, add the cabbage and let it boil for 2-3 minutes. It is important not to overcook it, as it should remain slightly crunchy.
3. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly. Carefully separate the leaves, and if necessary, trim the thick stem from the base of each leaf to make them easier to roll.

Step 3: Filling and Cooking the Cabbage Rolls
1. Place a few finely chopped cabbage leaves at the bottom of a large pot to prevent the rolls from sticking.
2. Take a cabbage leaf, place a tablespoon of the meat and rice filling in the center, and roll the leaf, tucking in the sides to seal the filling. Repeat this process until all the leaves are filled.
3. Arrange the cabbage rolls in the pot, side by side, and cover them with another layer of finely chopped cabbage.
4. Add salted water to the pot, ensuring it covers the rolls by about 1 cm. Cover the pot with a lid and bring it to a simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes. If you prefer softer rolls, you can simmer them for up to 2 hours, but it is recommended to keep them wrapped in blankets after turning off the heat to allow them to "rest" and absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Finishing Touches
1. Once the cabbage rolls are cooked, pour the tomato sauce over them and let them simmer for a few more minutes.
2. Turning off the heat and wrapping the pot with a towel and then blankets will allow the rolls to "rest" and become even more flavorful.

Serving
Serve the cabbage rolls hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top and, if desired, with freshly made polenta. A glass of white or red wine will perfectly complement this dish.

Helpful Tips
- Cabbage: If you want to obtain leaves that are easier to work with, you can use pickled cabbage or blanch it longer.
- Meat: You can combine ground pork with ground beef for a more complex flavor.
- Rice: Make sure to rinse it well before adding it to the filling to remove excess starch.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as allspice or bay leaves, to add extra flavor.

Nutritional Information
The calories in stuffed cabbage rolls vary depending on the proportions of the ingredients, but on average, a serving can contain between 350-500 calories. The rolls are a good source of protein due to the meat and rice, while the cabbage provides fiber and essential vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I store the cabbage rolls? You can store the cabbage rolls in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or you can freeze them to enjoy later.
- Can I use other types of meat? Absolutely! You can use turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Are cabbage rolls suitable for vegetarians? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version using mushrooms, vegetables, and rice instead of meat.

Enjoy every bite and the memories created around the table! Bon appétit!