Stuffed cabbage rolls - step by step recipe

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Sauerkraut Leaves - Step-by-Step Recipe

Sunday is a special day, a perfect occasion to enjoy traditional dishes that remind us of family meals. Today, we present a recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with sauerkraut leaves, a dish that delights the taste buds and brings warmth to the soul. Get ready to turn an ordinary day into a culinary celebration!

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 1 hour
- Cooking time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

- 1 head of sauerkraut (approximately 1 kg)
- 500 g rice (preferably brown rice)
- 1 kg pork (cut into small cubes)
- 4 large onions (finely chopped)
- 3 large carrots (1 grated, 2 diced)
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 small cup of tomato juice
- Salt, pepper, sweet or hot paprika (to taste)
- Sunflower oil (for sautéing)
- Dried dill (for flavor)

Preparing the Cabbage

The first step is to prepare the sauerkraut. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves, ensuring they don’t tear. Rinse them in cold water 2-3 times to reduce the salt, then soak them in water for 2 hours. This step is crucial as it helps achieve a balanced flavor without an overpowering brine.

Filling Mixture

1. Rice: Carefully select the rice, wash it in 3-4 changes of water, and soak it in cold water.

2. Carrot: Grate one carrot, and finely chop the other two. This will add a touch of sweetness to the rolls.

3. Onion: Finely chop the onion and sauté it in a pan with a bit of oil along with half of the grated carrot, adding salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

4. Meat: Cut the pork into small cubes (preferably, for better texture) and sauté it in oil with salt, pepper, and paprika until it turns slightly golden.

5. Final Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the drained rice with the sautéed onion and carrot, the raw carrot, the meat, and the tomato paste. Add the tomato juice and mix well. Now is the time to taste the mixture to check if it has enough salt and pepper.

Preparing the Pot

1. The Wonder Pot: Choose a large pot and place dried dill and a few cabbage leaves at the bottom to cover it. This will prevent the rolls from burning and add flavor.

2. Rolling the Cabbage Rolls: Lay out the cabbage leaves and, using a spoonful of filling, start rolling the cabbage rolls. You can shape them as you prefer: rectangular, oval, or even star-shaped. No matter how you roll them, the taste will be equally delicious!

3. Covering the Rolls: Once you’ve rolled all the cabbage rolls, cover them with sauerkraut leaves to protect them during cooking.

Cooking the Cabbage Rolls

1. Adding Water: Pour water into the pot until the cabbage rolls are completely covered.

2. The Heat: Place the pot over medium heat for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and let the rolls simmer gently for about 3 and a half hours. It’s important to check them occasionally and add water if necessary.

Serving

After all that work, it’s time to enjoy the result! Fill the plates with cabbage rolls, add plenty of sour cream, and don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh dill for extra flavor. These cabbage rolls are perfect for a family meal or to be enjoyed in the following days, as the flavor gets even better as they cool.

Variations and Practical Tips

- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms and finely chopped vegetables for a delicious and healthy choice.
- Smoky Cabbage Rolls: Add some diced smoked meat (such as bacon) to the filling for a more intense flavor.
- Serving: These cabbage rolls pair excellently with a dry red wine or a slightly bitter beer, which will balance the rich taste of the dish.

Nutritional Benefits

Cabbage rolls are an excellent source of protein due to the meat and rice, and they are also rich in fiber thanks to the sauerkraut and vegetables. Consuming sauerkraut is known for its probiotic benefits, which help with digestive health.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use fresh cabbage?: While sauerkraut is traditional, you can also use fresh cabbage, but you will need to blanch it before using it to make it more pliable.
- How long can the cabbage rolls be stored?: They can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen to be enjoyed later.

These stuffed cabbage rolls with sauerkraut leaves are more than just a dish; they are a tradition filled with stories, memories, and moments of togetherness. So gather your family around the table, savor every bite, and enjoy the magic of the moment! Bon appétit!