Stuffed cabbage rolls with smoked meat

Stuffed Cabbage Nests with Smoked Meats – A Traditional Delicacy

Who doesn't love the traditional aroma of stuffed cabbage? These delicacies are more than just a dish; they embody a perfect blend of tradition, family, and moments spent together. Today, I will share a special recipe for stuffed cabbage nests with smoked meats. This recipe is perfect for festive meals or for those times when you want to pamper your family with a hearty and flavorful dish.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg pork (ideally a mix of shoulder and leg for a rich flavor)
- 400 g smoked bacon (choose a quality bacon that will add extra flavor)
- 300 g homemade smoked ham (for an authentic homemade taste)
- 250 g smoked sausages (homemade sausages are the best)
- 150 g rice (preferably long-grain rice)
- 1 egg (to bind the mixture)
- 50 ml oil (sunflower oil is most suitable)
- 2 large onions (sautéed onion will add sweetness to the stuffed cabbage)
- 3-4 tablespoons tomato paste (for an intense flavor)
- 500 ml tomato juice (fresh tomato juice is ideal)
- Bay leaves (for an aromatic taste)
- Dried thyme (an aromatic herb that perfectly complements the dish)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the onions: Finely chop the 2 onions and sauté them in a pan with heated oil. Let them become golden and translucent. Add the tomato paste and mix well, then turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.

2. Preparing the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the minced pork, rinsed rice, egg, and sautéed onion. Generously season with salt and pepper. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

3. Forming the stuffed cabbages: From the meat mixture, form small stuffed cabbages. Each cabbage should be the size of a golf ball.

4. Creating the nests: Use large cabbage leaves to create the nests. Place 4 stuffed cabbages, a piece of bacon, a piece of ham, and a piece of sausage in the center of a cabbage leaf and roll it tightly. Repeat this process until you finish the ingredients.

5. Assembling in the pot: On the bottom of a large pot, place some cabbage leaves, bay leaves, and thyme. Place the cabbage nests, followed by the remaining smoked meats. Cover everything with water and add the tomato juice.

6. Boiling the stuffed cabbages: Let the stuffed cabbages simmer on low heat for 3 hours. In the last 60 minutes, it is recommended to transfer the pot to the oven, set at a temperature of 160-180 degrees Celsius, to blend the flavors and give them a delicious taste.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the meat: Pork with a higher fat content will make the stuffed cabbages juicier. You can also experiment with other types of meat, but pork is the most traditional.
- Cabbage: If using pickled cabbage, you may not need to add much salt, as the cabbage is already salty.
- Variations: You can add additional spices to taste, such as sweet paprika or garlic for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional benefits:

Stuffed cabbages are an excellent source of protein due to the meat and rice. Additionally, cabbage is rich in vitamins (especially vitamin C), minerals, and fiber, contributing to healthy digestion.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I prepare them in advance? Absolutely! Stuffed cabbages can be prepared a day in advance and boiled the next day. The flavor will be even better!
2. What can I serve alongside stuffed cabbages? Fresh sour cream and warm polenta are perfect accompaniments. Additionally, a dry red wine wonderfully complements the meal.
3. How can I store leftover stuffed cabbages? They can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for later use.

Stuffed cabbage nests with smoked meats are definitely a dish that brings pleasant memories and symbolizes hospitality. Don't hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and adapt them to your taste! This is the perfect recipe to gather the family around the table and create unforgettable moments. Enjoy your meal!