Stuffed cabbage rolls with meat

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Meat: A Traditional Recipe Full of Flavor and History

Stuffed cabbage rolls with meat are a symbol of traditional cuisine, often associated with family gatherings and festive meals. These small rolls of meat and rice, wrapped in fermented cabbage leaves, are not only delicious but also full of stories and memories. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to bring a touch of tradition into your daily life, this recipe will take you on a memorable culinary journey.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time on the stove: 2 hours
Baking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:
- 500 g minced meat (pork, beef, or a combination)
- 1 cup of rice (approximately 200 g)
- 1 cup of water (approximately 250 ml)
- 2 small onions
- 1 pickled white cabbage (or more, depending on size)
- 1 teaspoon of tomato paste
- Spices: salt, pepper, thyme, sweet paprika
- Oil or lard (optional, for greasing the pot)
- Ham (optional, for extra flavor)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Wash the rice: Start by thoroughly washing the rice under cold running water. This step is essential to remove excess starch, which will help achieve less sticky cabbage rolls. Let it drain.

2. Prepare the onion: Finely chop the two onions. Heat a little oil in a pan and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion over low heat until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. This will add a deep flavor to the filling.

3. Boil the rice: Add a cup of water over the onion, and as soon as the water starts to boil, add the washed rice. Stir well and turn off the heat. Do not let it boil completely, as the rice will continue to cook in the oven.

4. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the sautéed rice and onion, add the tomato paste, and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and sweet paprika. Mix well until everything is homogeneous. If the filling seems too dry, you can add a cup of water, but don’t overdo it – the filling should be slightly moist but not liquid.

5. Prepare the cabbage: Carefully unfold the pickled cabbage leaves. Make sure to choose the larger leaves that can be easily rolled. If the leaves are too salty, you can rinse them quickly under cold water.

6. Rolling the cabbage rolls: On each cabbage leaf, add a tablespoon of the meat and rice mixture, then roll tightly, making sure to tuck in the edges to prevent the filling from leaking out. Continue until you finish all the ingredients.

7. Prepare the pot: In a deep pot, place a layer of sliced ham on the bottom (if using) to add extra flavor. Then, add a layer of chopped cabbage. Arrange the cabbage rolls in the pot, in a circle, leaving a space in the middle for a spoonful of tomato paste.

8. Cook the cabbage rolls: Pour water into the pot, leaving about three fingers of space above the cabbage rolls. Place the pot on the stove over low heat and let it simmer for 2 hours. Then, transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 180°C (moderate heat) for another 2 hours. This slow process will allow the flavors to combine and intensify.

9. Serve with love: The cabbage rolls are served hot, accompanied by a portion of steaming polenta and, if you like, with sour cream. This mix of textures and flavors is simply unforgettable!

Useful tips and variations:
- Experiment with different types of meat: you can combine pork with beef or even use chicken for a lighter version.
- Add a little fresh dill to the filling for a fresh taste.
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can use chopped mushrooms and grilled vegetables instead of meat.
- You can also add a few peppercorns or bay leaves to the water for extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Cabbage rolls are an excellent source of protein due to the meat, and rice provides complex carbohydrates, essential for energy. Pickled cabbage is rich in probiotics, which aid digestion and strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh cabbage instead of pickled cabbage?
- Pickled cabbage provides a distinct flavor and acidity that cannot be replicated by fresh cabbage. However, if you do not have access to pickled cabbage, you can use fresh cabbage, but you will need to boil it first to soften it.

2. Can I freeze the cabbage rolls?
- Yes, cabbage rolls can be frozen, both raw and cooked. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in airtight containers.

3. What can I serve with cabbage rolls?
- Cabbage rolls pair excellently with polenta, fresh bread, or a pickled salad. Additionally, a white wine or grape must would be ideal accompaniments.

Make this recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with meat a tradition in your family. It may even become a family recipe passed down from generation to generation. Enjoy your meal!