Stuffed cabbage rolls

Delicious Recipe for Cabbage Rolls with Sauerkraut

Cabbage rolls are a traditional dish that evokes pleasant memories, reminding us of family meals and moments spent together. This recipe for cabbage rolls with sauerkraut is simple and delicious, perfect for a festive meal or just to enjoy a comforting dish on chilly days. Let’s start the culinary adventure!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Necessary ingredients

- 1 large sauerkraut
- 500 g minced meat (mix of beef and pork)
- 4 tablespoons of rice
- 2 medium onions
- 1-2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 500 g crushed tomatoes
- 400 g diced tomatoes in juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegeta or Delikat (optional)

Step 1: Preparing the cabbage

1. Separating the cabbage: Start by removing the core of the cabbage. This step is essential, as the core is too tough to eat. Carefully peel the cabbage leaves, grabbing each leaf from the base. You should get about 15 leaves, depending on the size of the cabbage.

2. Salting the leaves: If the cabbage leaves are too salty, you can soak them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. This will help reduce the intensity of the salty taste.

3. Chopping the remaining cabbage: The leftover cabbage that you did not use, chop it finely. This will serve as the base for cooking the cabbage rolls.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. Meat and vegetables: In a large bowl, add the minced meat, grated onion, cooked and cooled rice, thyme, dill, salt, pepper, and, if desired, a bit of Vegeta or Delikat. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

2. Shaping the cabbage rolls: With wet hands, take a portion of your mixture and form small cabbage rolls, depending on the desired size. You can make smaller rolls for an elegant serving or larger rolls for a hearty meal.

Step 3: Assembling

1. Preparing the pot: In a large pot, add a layer of finely chopped cabbage, followed by a layer of diced tomatoes (400 g). This layer will add moisture and flavor to the cabbage rolls.

2. Arranging the cabbage rolls: Place a first layer of cabbage rolls, then cover them with another layer of chopped cabbage and half of the crushed tomatoes. Add the bay leaves, dill, and thyme to taste.

3. Layering: Continue with another layer of cabbage rolls, followed by the chopped cabbage and the rest of the crushed tomato sauce. Season again with dill, thyme, and add a few more bay leaves.

4. Adding water: Pour water until it covers the cabbage rolls. This is crucial to prevent them from burning and to give them a tender texture.

Step 4: Cooking

1. Boiling: Cover the pot with a lid and place it over medium heat. The cabbage rolls will be ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Check periodically to ensure that the water has not reduced too much. If necessary, add a little water.

Step 5: Serving

1. A delicious choice: Cabbage rolls are served hot, alongside steaming polenta. You can also add a few cubes of smoked bacon that have cooked with the rolls for extra flavor.

2. A touch of heat: If you like, don’t forget to serve the cabbage rolls with fresh chili peppers for an intense and spicy taste.

Useful tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat for the filling, such as chicken or turkey. Additionally, you can add spices like paprika or smoked paprika for a more complex flavor.

- Oven cooking: A delicious alternative is to cook the cabbage rolls in the oven. Place them in a ceramic dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 180°C for about 2 hours.

- Storing cabbage rolls: Cabbage rolls are even tastier the next day, so you can prepare them a day in advance and reheat them before serving.

Nutritional benefits

Cabbage rolls are not only delicious but also nutritious. The meat provides essential proteins, while sauerkraut is an excellent source of probiotics, beneficial for digestive health. A serving of cabbage rolls can contain about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh cabbage?
Fresh cabbage can be used, but you will need to blanch it to make it easier to shape.

2. How can I freeze the cabbage rolls?
You can freeze the cabbage rolls raw or cooked. Make sure to place them in sealed containers to prevent freezer burn.

3. What side dish should I choose?
Besides polenta, fresh sour cream or a salad of raw vegetables pair perfectly with cabbage rolls.

This recipe for cabbage rolls with sauerkraut is a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will delight family and friends. Don’t hesitate to put your personal touch on this recipe and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen. Enjoy your meal!