Stuffed cabbage rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls - A Traditional Recipe with Soul

Stuffed cabbage rolls are more than just a simple dish; they carry with them family stories, traditions, and unforgettable moments spent around the table. This recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls is one of those recipes that reminds us of the days spent in grandma's kitchen, where the aroma of meat and spices intertwined with the smiles of loved ones. Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or just want to refresh your recipes, I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare the most delicious stuffed cabbage rolls.

Total preparation time: 3 hours
Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: Approximately 10 servings
Calories per serving: 320 kcal (approximately, depending on ingredients)

Ingredients

- 1 pickled cabbage (approximately 1.4 - 1.5 kg)
- 800 g minced meat (you can use pork, beef, or even minced chicken breast)
- 2 large onions
- 1 large carrot
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or green)
- 300 g bacon
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup of rice (approximately 150 g)
- 3-4 bay leaves
- Oil (for sautéing)
- Salt (to taste)
- Peppercorns (to taste)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the cabbage
The first step in making this recipe is to deal with the cabbage. Take a pickled cabbage and place it in a large pot, covering it with cold water. Let it sit for 3-4 hours. This desalting process will help reduce the saltiness of the cabbage, so your stuffed cabbage rolls won’t be too salty. If you notice the water becoming too salty, you can change it for fresh water.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
While the cabbage is desalting, you can prepare the filling. In a pan, heat a tablespoon of oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, then add the grated carrot and diced bell pepper. This mix will add flavor to your filling. After a few minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Boiling the rice
To achieve a perfect filling, boil the rice in salted water, letting it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent. Do not cook it completely, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain it and add it to the mixture of onion, carrot, and bell pepper, along with the minced meat, tomato paste, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything very well until you achieve a homogeneous filling.

Step 4: Preparing the cabbage leaves
Remove the cabbage from the water and detach the leaves. Choose the large and beautiful leaves to use for wrapping. If you encounter leaves that are too thick, do not hesitate to cut them in half or into thirds, removing the stem, so they are easier to roll.

Step 5: Rolling the cabbage rolls
Now comes the fun part! Take a cabbage leaf in your left hand, add a tablespoon of filling to the bottom of the leaf, and roll it, gently tucking the edges inwards. Continue to roll tightly until the end. Place each roll on a plate and repeat the process until you finish all the filling.

Step 6: Assembling
In a large pot, finely chop the remaining cabbage leaves and place them at the bottom of the pot to prevent the rolls from sticking. Arrange the cabbage rolls in layers, alternating with pieces of fried bacon, bay leaves, and a few peppercorns between layers. Add water up to the level of the rolls, covering everything.

Step 7: Cooking the cabbage rolls
Put the pot on the heat and let it boil. Once it starts to boil, reduce the temperature and transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Cook the cabbage rolls for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have blended harmoniously.

Serving
After the cabbage rolls are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. Accompany them with warm polenta and sour cream. A sprinkle of fresh dill on top will add a touch of freshness and enhance the flavors.

Tips and variations
- For an extra flavor, you can add a few dried mint leaves or a little thyme to the filling.
- If you like a slightly smoky taste, use smoked bacon or add a few slices of smoked sausage between the layers of cabbage rolls.
- Cabbage rolls can also be made vegetarian by using mushrooms and grated vegetables instead of meat.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use fresh cabbage?
- I recommend using pickled cabbage, as it provides a better taste and a more suitable texture. If you choose to use fresh cabbage, you will need to boil it slightly before using it.

2. How can I store the cabbage rolls?
- Cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen. It is recommended to portion them before freezing.

3. What other side dishes go well with cabbage rolls?
- Polenta and sour cream are the most common, but you can also add a fresh cabbage salad or pickles for a crunchy contrast.

I wish you much success in preparing these delicious cabbage rolls! Remember that cooking is an art, and every recipe can be adjusted to your taste. So don’t hesitate to put your personal touch on this recipe. Enjoy your meal!