Summer Cabbage Rolls

Summer Cabbage Rolls: A Flavorful Delight

When it comes to traditional dishes, summer cabbage rolls are a special choice, full of flavors and vibrant colors. These rolls differ from the classic ones by using fresh cabbage leaves, along with a savory mix of meats that turns every bite into a unique culinary experience. Moreover, summer cabbage rolls are easy to prepare, and the result is simply delicious.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients needed for summer cabbage rolls:
- Fresh cabbage leaves (or alternatives such as raspberry, lime, or chard leaves for a unique flavor)
- 1 liter of borscht (or water with tomato juice)
- Salt, to taste
- Filling:
- 300 g veal
- 300 g pork
- 300 g beef
- 300 g smoked bacon
- 300 g chicken breast
- 3 medium onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of poultry fat (or olive oil for a lighter version)
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bunches of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 cup of washed rice
- 2 eggs
- 2 slices of bread soaked in water

Preparing summer cabbage rolls:

1. Preparing the cabbage leaves: Start by boiling 1 liter of borscht with salt in a large pot. Once it starts boiling, take the cabbage leaves one by one and blanch them in the borscht for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly flexible. This step is essential to ensure that the leaves do not tear when filled.

2. Preparing the filling: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of poultry fat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then, add the chopped peppers and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, and chopped dill. Mix well, then let the mixture cool.

3. Mixing the meat: In a large bowl, combine all types of meat (veal, pork, beef, smoked bacon, chicken breast) and finely chop them using a meat grinder. Add the washed rice, two eggs, and slices of bread soaked in water. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

4. Filling the leaves: Take a cabbage leaf, place a tablespoon of the meat filling on it, fold the edges, and roll it to form the cabbage roll. Make sure it is well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking. Continue until you finish all the leaves and filling.

5. Assembling and cooking the cabbage rolls: In a clay pot or large saucepan, grease the bottom with oil and place some cabbage leaves or sprigs of dried thyme. Layer the cabbage rolls, interspersing with slices of tomatoes. Pour tomato juice and two cups of white wine over them. Cover the pot with cabbage leaves and place everything in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 1 hour.

6. Serving: Summer cabbage rolls are served hot, alongside creamy polenta and sour cream. The rich flavor of the meat and the freshness of the cabbage leaves will make every meal a celebration.

Practical tips:
- Alternative leaves: If you want to add a twist to the recipe, try using raspberry, lime, or chard leaves. They add a distinct flavor and a unique appearance.
- Meat: You can experiment with various types of meat or even ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Serving: You can also add some olives or roasted peppers as a garnish for extra flavor and color.

Nutritional perspective:
Summer cabbage rolls are a rich source of protein, thanks to the mix of meats, and contain fiber from rice and vegetables. However, consuming polenta and sour cream can add calories, so it's best to enjoy them in moderation. A serving of cabbage rolls contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use pickled cabbage leaves? It is recommended to use fresh cabbage leaves for this recipe. Pickled leaves provide a different flavor and are not suitable for making summer cabbage rolls.
- Can I freeze the cabbage rolls? Yes, cabbage rolls can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing them in airtight containers.
- What other side dishes can I use? Besides polenta and sour cream, cabbage rolls can pair perfectly with a fresh summer salad or a serving of green bean dish.

Summer cabbage rolls are more than just a simple dish; they represent a culinary tradition full of stories and beautiful moments spent around the table. As you prepare them, don’t forget to enjoy the cooking process and share this recipe with loved ones. Each portion hides not just flavors, but also precious memories. Enjoy your meal!