Stuffed cabbage rolls in a Roman pot

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in a Roman Pot – A Traditional Recipe Full of Flavors

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Stuffed cabbage rolls are an iconic dish, cherished in many cultures, often associated with festive meals and family gatherings. Each generation contributes to the stuffed cabbage recipe, adding a touch of their own traditions and flavors. In this recipe, we will explore how to prepare delicious stuffed cabbage rolls using a Roman pot, which will add a unique flavor and retain the dish's moisture.

Ingredients

- 1 fresh cabbage (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 250 g ground turkey
- 250 g ground pork
- 150 g smoked bacon, sliced thinly
- 50-100 g rice (preferably long-grain)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- A pinch of pepper
- 1 bunch of thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 500 ml homemade tomato sauce
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Salt to taste

Necessary utensils

- Roman pot (which should be soaked in water for 1.5 hours before use)
- A frying pan for sautéing the onion
- A meat grinder (or a food processor)
- A large pot for boiling the cabbage rolls

Preparation instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion and sautéing it in a frying pan with a little oil until it becomes translucent. This will add a pleasant flavor to the filling. While the onion is sautéing, you can prepare the cabbage.

2. Blanching the cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and cut out the core. Place the whole cabbage in a pot of boiling water and blanch it for about 5-7 minutes. This step will make the leaves easier to roll. Once the cabbage has cooled, remove the thick veins from the leaves.

3. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey and pork, sautéed onion, rinsed and drained rice, pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

4. Forming the cabbage rolls: Take a cabbage leaf and place it on your palm. Put a heaping tablespoon of the meat and rice mixture at the base of the leaf. Roll the leaf, then fold in the sides to seal the filling. Repeat this process until you run out of filling and cabbage leaves.

5. Assembling the cabbage rolls in the Roman pot: Ensure that the Roman pot has been soaked in water for 1.5 hours to prevent cracking during cooking. Place a layer of cabbage rolls in the pot, followed by some of the sliced bacon and a sprinkle of thyme. Continue adding layers of cabbage rolls, bacon, and thyme until you finish the ingredients.

6. Adding cabbage and sauce: Finally, cover the cabbage rolls with the remaining cabbage, cut into thin strips, and sprinkle the chopped dill on top. Pour the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are partially covered with liquid.

7. Cooking the cabbage rolls: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the Roman pot in the oven and let the cabbage rolls simmer for about 1 hour. After an hour, reduce the temperature to 160°C and let the cabbage rolls simmer for another 30 minutes. If you notice that the rolls are not moist enough, you can add a little water to the pot.

8. Serving: Once the cabbage rolls are ready, turn off the heat and leave them in the oven until serving. This will allow the flavors to meld even better. Serve the cabbage rolls hot, alongside sour cream and, if desired, a portion of steaming polenta.

Helpful tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as lamb or beef, to achieve different flavors. You can also add spices like smoked paprika or chili for a more intense taste.
- Storage: The cabbage rolls can be stored well in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for later consumption.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use pickled cabbage? Yes, pickled cabbage adds a pleasant acidity and a distinct flavor to the rolls.
- How can I make the rolls less fatty? Opt for lean ground meat and use less bacon.

Nutritional benefits

Cabbage rolls are a good source of protein due to the meat and rice, while cabbage provides a significant amount of vitamins and fiber, supporting healthy digestion. They can be an excellent choice for family meals, ensuring a combination of essential nutrients.

Serving suggestions

To complete the meal, you can add a fresh summer salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Additionally, a well-chosen glass of red wine can enhance the culinary experience.

Stuffed cabbage rolls in a Roman pot are more than just a dish; they are a true celebration of love and tradition, inviting joyful meals and stories. Now that you have all the necessary details, all that's left is to get cooking and enjoy every step of this delicious process. Bon appétit!