Stuffed cabbage rolls

Cabbage Rolls in Sour Cabbage Leaves

If you are looking for a recipe that combines tradition with flavor, cabbage rolls in sour cabbage leaves are the perfect choice! This iconic dish, often served at festive meals, has deep roots in culinary culture, being an excellent way to make the most of seasonal ingredients. In this detailed guide, I will present the necessary steps to achieve delicious cabbage rolls that will delight family and friends.

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

Ingredients:
- 500 g pork shoulder
- 500 g pork belly
- 100 g rice
- 4 large onions
- 1 carrot
- A bunch of sorrel
- Thyme (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 150 ml oil

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by passing the pork shoulder and belly through the meat grinder. Make sure the grinder is well cleaned and sharpened to achieve a uniform texture. Set the minced meat aside to retain its juiciness.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Take the onions and chop them finely. They will add a sweet and aromatic flavor to the rolls. You can grate the carrot using a fine grater to better integrate it into the filling.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pan, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then, add the grated carrot and mix well. Let the vegetables sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Adding the rice: Rinse the rice well under cold running water and drain it. Add the rice to the pan, mixing to combine it with the onion and carrot. After 1-2 minutes, add the tomato paste and mix everything well. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

5. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, combine the vegetable mixture with the minced meat, adding salt, pepper, thyme, and finely chopped sorrel. Mix everything with your hands, as if kneading dough, to ensure the ingredients are well incorporated.

6. Preparing the cabbage leaves: Rinse the sour cabbage well to reduce its sourness. Carefully separate the leaves and cut off the stems to make them easier to roll. Let them drain.

7. Wrapping the rolls: Take a cabbage leaf, no larger than your palm, and add a heaping teaspoon of filling at one end. Roll the leaf, making sure to tuck the edges of the leaf inside the roll. Continue until all the filling is used.

8. Cooking the rolls: Place the rolls in a baking dish in two layers, alternating the direction of the layers to ensure even cooking. Cover them with cabbage leaves to protect them from excessive drying. Add warm water until halfway up the dish, in which you have dissolved a tablespoon of tomato paste.

9. Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish with the rolls inside. Let them simmer for about 3 hours, checking the water level from time to time. If necessary, top up with warm water to prevent drying.

10. Serving: When the rolls are ready, serve them with sour cream, warm polenta, and fresh hot peppers. This will add an extra layer of flavor and turn each serving into a true feast. Personally, I love to enjoy them just with hot peppers and a slice of fresh bread.

Useful tips:
- If you want a lighter version, you can replace part of the meat with chicken or turkey.
- Add a bit of smoked meat, such as a piece of bacon, to the filling for a richer taste.
- The rolls can be frozen, so you always have a delicious meal on hand.

Nutritional benefits:
Cabbage rolls are a good source of protein due to the pork and rice, while sorrel adds extra vitamins and minerals. This dish is hearty and ideal for warming up on cold days.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh cabbage instead of sour cabbage?
- Although sour cabbage provides a specific taste, you can use fresh cabbage, but you will need to blanch it beforehand to soften it.

2. How long can I keep the rolls in the fridge?
- The rolls can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days, and the flavor will become even better as they cool.

3. Can I make the rolls in advance?
- Absolutely! The rolls can be prepared a day ahead and reheated before serving.

Get ready to delight your taste buds with these delicious cabbage rolls! I invite you to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen. Cooking is an art, and cabbage rolls are one of the most beautiful masterpieces of this art!