Naked stuffed cabbage rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Unwrapped - A Comforting and Tasty Recipe

Stuffed cabbage rolls are often considered a traditional dish, filled with fragrances and flavors that remind us of family meals. However, preparing them can be a real challenge for many of us due to the time and effort involved. If you love the taste of stuffed cabbage rolls but dread the laborious process of making them, worry not! Unwrapped stuffed cabbage rolls are the perfect solution. This recipe combines all the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls in a much simpler and quicker way, while still preserving the taste and comfort of a homemade meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 500 g ground pork (or a mix with beef for a more complex flavor)
- 2 medium onions
- 1 cup of rice (approximately 200 g)
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- ½ bunch of fresh parsley
- ½ bunch of fresh dill
- 750 ml tomato juice (or diced tomatoes for a more rustic texture)
- 400 ml vegetable broth (or water, but broth will enhance the flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Ingredient Details

- Ground meat: Choose fresh, high-quality meat. You can use pork, beef, or even turkey, depending on your preferences. A combination of pork and beef will provide a unique texture and flavor.
- Rice: It’s preferable to use long-grain rice, as it will absorb the flavors better.
- Onion: Onion adds a sweet and aromatic flavor. Make sure to sauté it enough to bring out all its flavors.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill are essential for adding a fresh and vibrant taste to the dish.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and finely chopping the two onions. You can use a sharp knife or a food processor to make your job easier. Then, finely chop the parsley and dill to add to the filling later.

2. Preparing the rice: Place the rice in a bowl and cover it with warm water. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This will help the grains become fluffier and absorb the flavors better.

3. Sautéing the onion: In a large skillet, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion over medium heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Adding the rice: Drain the rice and add it to the sautéed onion. Continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. The rice should be slightly translucent, which will give it a better texture in the dish.

5. Mixing the composition: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Add the ground meat, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until you have a homogeneous composition.

6. Incorporating the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs with a pinch of salt. Integrate the eggs into the meat and rice mixture, mixing well again to incorporate them.

7. Forming the rolls: Using your hands, form small "rolls" (balls or meatballs) from the mixture. The size can vary, but try to make them about the size of a golf ball for even cooking.

8. Arranging in the dish: In a baking dish, place the unwrapped rolls side by side. You can use a ceramic or glass dish, but ensure it is deep enough to allow them to cook well.

9. Adding the sauce: Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls, then add the vegetable broth. This will provide moisture and flavor, and the rolls will absorb all the delicious juices during baking.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 2 hours. Check occasionally, adding broth if necessary.

Serving

After two hours of baking, remove the foil and let the rolls cool slightly. Serve them hot, alongside fluffy polenta and fresh sour cream. This combination will turn your meal into a true culinary experience, full of comfort and joy.

Tips and Tricks

- You can also add a pinch of chili pepper to the meat mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
- If you want to make them even healthier, you can add grated vegetables (carrot, zucchini) to the meat mixture.
- Unwrapped stuffed cabbage rolls freeze very well, so you can make a double batch and store them in containers. You can reheat them in the microwave or oven whenever you crave a comforting dish.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with chicken or turkey, and for a vegetarian option, use tofu or vegetables.

2. What other sauces go well with unwrapped stuffed cabbage rolls?
Garlic yogurt sauce or spicy tomato sauce pair perfectly, bringing a pleasant contrast.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for a gluten-free diet?
Make sure the tomato juice and vegetable broth are gluten-free. Rice is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t need to worry.

Unwrapped stuffed cabbage rolls are perfect for days when you want a comforting dish but don’t have the time or energy to deal with traditional rolls. This simple and tasty recipe will bring a smile to your face and warm your heart. Bon appétit!