Stuffed cabbage rolls

Cabbage Rolls with Meat and Rice - A Traditional Delight

Who doesn't love cabbage rolls? This classic dish, full of flavors and tradition, is often found at festive meals, bringing together family and friends. Cabbage rolls are more than just a dish; they tell a story about our roots, about moments spent around the table, where every bite is a memory. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the most delicious cabbage rolls, filled with meat and rice, that will surely impress all your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 6 servings (46 cabbage rolls)

Ingredients:
- One large cabbage (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar (preferably white wine)
- 3 liters of water
- 500 g minced pork (you can also use a mix of pork and beef for a richer taste)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (sunflower oil or olive oil)
- One medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 handfuls of rice (approximately 150 g)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 200 ml tomato juice
- Magic borscht (or homemade borscht)
- Salt, pepper, dill, and thyme to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the cabbage:
Start by bringing 3 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the vinegar to the water; this will help preserve the color and texture of the cabbage. When the water reaches a boiling point, add the whole cabbage (of course, with the core removed beforehand). Let the cabbage boil for 10-15 minutes until the leaves become soft and easily detach. After boiling, remove the cabbage and let it cool slightly, then carefully detach the leaves. If some leaves are too thick, you can cut them in half or quarters.

2. Preparing the filling:
In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until golden and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the tomato paste and mix well. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and dill. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes, then let it cool.

3. Combining the ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the washed rice, the cooled onion mixture, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well with your hands until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Now is the time to let your creativity shine: you can add other favorite spices or herbs!

4. Forming the cabbage rolls:
Take a cabbage leaf and place a tablespoon of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the edges of the leaf and slowly roll to form a cabbage roll. Repeat the process until the filling is finished (you should get about 46 cabbage rolls). If there are leftover cabbage leaves, you can use them to cover the rolls during cooking.

5. Cooking the cabbage rolls:
In a large pot, place a few cabbage leaves on the bottom to prevent the rolls from sticking. Arrange the cabbage rolls in the pot, tightly but carefully, so they don't break. Add enough water to cover them completely. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 1.5 hours. With 30 minutes left before they are done, add the tomato juice and magic borscht for an even more intense flavor.

Serving:
Once the cabbage rolls are ready, serve them hot, with a garnish of sour cream and freshly chopped dill on top. They are absolutely delicious and can be accompanied by warm polenta, making every meal a celebration.

Useful tips:
- If you want to keep the cabbage rolls for a longer time, you can freeze them. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in airtight containers.
- You can experiment with different types of meat or add grated vegetables to the filling for a different taste.
- Cabbage rolls taste better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop.

Nutritional benefits:
Cabbage rolls are an excellent source of protein due to the meat, and the rice adds extra carbohydrates. Cabbage, a vitamin and mineral-rich ingredient, adds fiber and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use pickled cabbage? Yes, you can use pickled cabbage for a more intense flavor, but you will need to reduce the amount of salt in the filling.
2. How can I make vegetarian cabbage rolls? Replace the meat with chopped mushrooms or lentils and add more vegetables to the filling.
3. What can I do with leftovers? You can turn leftover cabbage rolls into a delicious sandwich or use them as a filling for pies.

So now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! Your cabbage rolls will surely be a hit, and your loved ones will thank you for this delightful traditional dish. Happy cooking!