Stuffed cabbage rolls with meat and mushrooms in pumpkin

Stuffed cabbage rolls with meat and mushrooms in pumpkin are a true autumn delicacy, blending flavors and textures into a unique and savory recipe. This dish is not just a simple meal, but a culinary experience that will bring joy to any family table. Get ready to discover how you can turn simple ingredients into a memorable meal, perfect for special occasions or just to treat yourself to something special. Let's get started!

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

Ingredients

- 600 g pork with a bit of fat
- 1 large pickled cabbage with thin leaves
- 1 large pie pumpkin (make sure it fits in your oven)
- Smoked meat (bacon, pork belly, or your choice)
- 2-3 medium onions
- 500 g mushrooms
- 4 carrots
- 5 tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1-2 cups borscht
- 1-2 glasses of dry white wine
- 2 handfuls of rice for meat rolls
- 4 handfuls of rice for mushroom rolls
- Raisins (optional, to taste)
- A bunch of dill
- A bunch of parsley
- A few sprigs of thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe History

Stuffed cabbage rolls have a long and fascinating history in traditional cuisines, regarded as a symbol of hospitality. The dish has evolved over the centuries, with each culture leaving its mark on the ingredients and cooking techniques. Using pumpkin as a container is a modern innovation that adds not only a unique visual appeal but also a sweet flavor that perfectly complements the filling.

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

1. Start by finely chopping the pork. If you have a meat grinder, it will make this task easier.
2. Chop the onion finely and sauté it in a pan with a little oil until it becomes translucent.
3. Peel the carrots and grate them, then add them to the pan with the onion. Sauté for a few minutes until they soften.

Step 2: The Filling for the Cabbage Rolls

4. If you want to make mushroom rolls, prepare a separate pan. Clean and chop the mushrooms, then sauté them just like the onions and carrots.
5. In the first pan, add the minced meat and mix well. Add some water and let the ingredients simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes.
6. During this time, chop the dill and parsley. These herbs will add a wonderful aroma to the dish.
7. Once the meat is cooked, add the rice to both pans (for meat and for mushrooms). Let it simmer for a few minutes until the rice starts to swell.

Step 3: Preparing the Pumpkin

8. Cut a lid off the pumpkin and clean it out well, removing the seeds and pulp. Save a cup of the pulp for the filling.
9. Mix the pumpkin pulp with the meat filling, adding salt, pepper, and the chopped herbs. Be careful with the salt, as the pickled cabbage is already salty.

Step 4: Assembling the Cabbage Rolls

10. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves, removing the thicker veins.
11. Start wrapping the rolls: place a tablespoon of filling on a cabbage leaf, then roll it tightly, folding in the ends.
12. In a large baking dish or pot, place a layer of chopped cabbage, then add the rolls, alternating with sliced tomatoes and smoked meat. Continue until the dish is filled.

Step 5: Cooking the Cabbage Rolls

13. Prepare a mixture of borscht, wine, and tomato paste to pour over the rolls. Make sure not to add too much liquid, as the pumpkin will also release juice while baking.
14. Cover the rolls with sprigs of thyme and fresh tomatoes.
15. Preheat the oven to 210 degrees Celsius and place the dish with the pumpkin and rolls inside. Bake for 2 hours, checking occasionally to see if the pumpkin has softened.

Serving

Stuffed cabbage rolls with meat and mushrooms are served hot, alongside polenta, hot peppers, and sour cream. These combinations add extra flavor and turn the meal into a true celebration.

Useful Tips

- If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with a mix of vegetables and grains.
- You can experiment with different types of meat (for example, beef or chicken) or other mushrooms (like shiitake).
- The pumpkin can also be used as a side dish, filled with leftover filling after making the rolls.

Nutritional Values (per serving)

- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g

These stuffed cabbage rolls with meat and mushrooms in pumpkin are not only delicious but also nutritious, providing a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh cabbage instead of pickled cabbage?
Fresh cabbage will need to be boiled beforehand to become soft enough to wrap.

2. How can I store leftover rolls?
You can keep the rolls in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze them to enjoy later.

3. Is it necessary to use smoked meat?
Smoked meat adds a unique flavor, but it can be omitted if you prefer a lighter version.

Enjoy this recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with meat and mushrooms in pumpkin, which will not only enhance the flavor of your meal but also make cooking a delightful and comforting activity!