Stuffed cabbage rolls with sweet cabbage and smoked meat

Cabbage rolls with sweet cabbage and smoked meat

Welcome to the delicious world of cabbage rolls! This traditional dish is not just a symbol of hospitality, but also an explosion of flavors that will delight you with every bite. Prepared with love and patience, cabbage rolls are perfect for festive meals or any special occasion. Let's explore together how to make tasty cabbage rolls with sweet cabbage and smoked meat, step by step, to achieve a perfect result!

Total preparation time: 3 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg fresh cabbage
- 1 teaspoon lemon salt
- 1 piece of smoked bone (recommended ham bone)
- 600 g minced pork
- 2 medium onions
- 1 clove of garlic
- 75 g rice
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch of salt
- 3 medium tomatoes
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh dill
- 2 bay leaves
- 500 ml tomato juice (preferably homemade)

History and traditions
Cabbage rolls have a rich history, deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of many cultures. They symbolize the warmth of home and generosity. Every family has its own recipe, often passed down from generation to generation, with small variations that reflect everyone's tastes and preferences. Thus, your cabbage rolls will surely have a touch of your own story!

Making cabbage rolls - Step by step

1. Preparing the smoked bone
Start by placing the smoked bone in cold water a few hours before preparing the cabbage rolls. Ideally, let it rehydrate from evening until morning, changing the water 2-3 times. This will help remove excess salt and smoke, so the cabbage rolls don’t become too salty.

2. Preparing the cabbage
In a large pot, add 3 liters of water and 1 teaspoon of lemon salt and bring to a boil. When the water starts boiling, add the whole cabbage and blanch it for 5-10 minutes. The cabbage leaves will be ready when they become flexible and change color from green to yellow. Use a slotted spoon to remove the leaves and let them drain and cool.

3. Preparing the filling
In a large bowl, combine the minced pork with finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, rice, salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and a few chopped dill and thyme leaves. Mix well to obtain a uniform and flavorful filling.

4. Forming the cabbage rolls
Cut the thick stem from the cabbage leaves to make them easier to roll. Take a spoonful of filling and place it on each cabbage leaf. Roll tightly, folding the edges well to prevent the filling from escaping. Continue forming cabbage rolls until you finish the filling.

5. Assembling the cabbage rolls in the pot
In a large pot that can also be used in the oven, place a few sprigs of thyme, dill, and bay leaves. Put the smoked bone at the bottom and arrange the cabbage rolls one by one. On top, slice the tomatoes and cover everything with whole cabbage leaves. Add a few sprigs of dill and thyme and pour hot water until the cabbage rolls are covered.

6. Cooking the cabbage rolls
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cover the pot with a lid and put it in the oven. Let it boil for 60 minutes on high heat. Then, reduce the heat and continue to simmer for 90 minutes. Finally, take the pot out of the oven and pour the tomato juice on top, letting it simmer in the oven for another 30 minutes.

7. Serving the cabbage rolls
Cabbage rolls are served hot, either plain or with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt on top. You can also add a slice of fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Practical tips:
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can also add some finely chopped smoked meat to the filling.
- For a more acidic taste, you can add a tablespoon of vinegar to the water in which you boil the cabbage rolls.
- Don't forget to check the cabbage rolls from time to time, adding hot water if necessary to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use pickled cabbage instead of sweet cabbage?
Yes, pickled cabbage gives a different taste but is delicious. Make sure to rinse it well to reduce the salt.

2. What type of meat can I use in the filling?
You can use beef, turkey, or even a combination of meats for a more complex flavor.

3. How can I store cabbage rolls?
Cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen for later consumption.

4. What can I serve with cabbage rolls?
Cabbage rolls pair perfectly with a fresh summer salad or polenta.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of cabbage rolls contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They are a good source of protein from the meat and carbohydrates from the rice, while the cabbage provides vitamins and fiber.

Cabbage rolls with sweet cabbage and smoked meat are more than just a dish; they are an invitation to the table, a symbol of tradition and conviviality. Whether you cook them for a special occasion or for a family meal, every bite will bring joy and warmth. Enjoy your meal!