Stuffed cabbage rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – A Traditional Recipe with a Hint of Nostalgia

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a true culinary symbol, often associated with festive meals, bringing families together around a table full of joy and delicious flavors. This recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls is a perfect combination of juicy meat and the enticing aromas of spices that will delight your taste buds and remind you of hearty meals from your childhood. Moreover, stuffed cabbage rolls taste even better if prepared a day in advance, making them ideal for holiday preparations.

Total preparation time: 3 hours
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 8-10 rolls

Essential ingredients:
- 2 medium cabbages (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 1 kg lean meat (beef and pork)
- 3-4 slices of smoked bacon
- 300 g smoked ribs
- 9 large onions
- 200 g rice
- Salt (to taste)
- Thyme (preferably dried)
- Dried dill (to taste)
- 3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste

Preparing the stuffed cabbage rolls: Step by step

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by finely chopping the onion. You can use a knife or a food processor to save time. If you choose to chop it manually, make sure it is cut evenly for proper sautéing. Then, grind the pork and beef together until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

2. Sautéing the onion:
In a large skillet, add a little oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and its aroma starts to release (about 5-7 minutes). This step is important as sautéed onions add a deep, sweet flavor to the filling.

3. Preparing the filling:
Add the rice and finely chopped bacon over the sautéed onion. Mix well and add 3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste, which will give the filling a beautiful color and intense flavor. Let the mixture cool slightly, then add it to the ground meat and season with salt, thyme, and dried dill to taste. Mix well until homogeneous.

4. Preparing the cabbage leaves:
Meanwhile, separate the cabbage leaves from the core, remove the main vein, and cut the leaves into suitable pieces that are large enough to wrap the filling. It is important that the leaves are flexible, so if they are too rigid, you can blanch them for a few minutes in boiling water to soften them.

5. Wrapping the cabbage rolls:
Place a portion of filling the size of a medium walnut on each cabbage leaf. Roll the leaf tightly, and at the ends, fold the edges inward to seal the filling. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used up.

6. Assembling the cabbage rolls:
In a large pot, place a layer of chopped cabbage (from the remaining leaves) at the bottom of the pot. Then, place a first layer of cabbage rolls, interspersing with slices of smoked ribs for added flavor. Continue layering cabbage rolls and ribs until all ingredients are used. Finally, cover with another layer of cabbage leaves.

7. Cooking the cabbage rolls:
Add boiling water (approximately 1.5 liters) to the pot, ensuring it covers the cabbage rolls. Put the lid on and let the cabbage rolls come to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 160°C for about 2 hours. The cabbage rolls will simmer, absorbing the flavors from the cabbage and meat.

8. Serving:
When the cabbage rolls are ready, let them rest for 30 minutes before serving. They can be accompanied by fresh sour cream and chopped dill, adding a note of freshness and a delicious contrast to the rich flavors.

Practical tips:
- You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as mushrooms or peppers, to vary the flavor.
- Cabbage rolls can be frozen, so you can prepare a larger quantity to enjoy in the following days.
- If you prefer a more sour taste, you can add a few tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to the water before boiling them.

Nutritional information:
Cabbage rolls are an excellent source of protein due to the meat and rice, containing about 300-400 calories per serving (2-3 rolls). Fermented cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, and its fermentation brings benefits for gut flora.

Combinations and suggestions:
Cabbage rolls pair perfectly with warm polenta and a glass of red wine. You can also try a fresh cabbage salad to add a crunchy contrast.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh cabbage instead of fermented cabbage?
Yes, but you will need to add a bit of salt or lemon juice to achieve the characteristic sour flavor.

- How can I make the cabbage rolls less fatty?
You can use lean beef and less bacon or replace it with another ingredient, such as tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

This recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls is more than just a dish; it is a connection between generations, bringing together traditions and unforgettable moments. Enjoy your meal!