Stuffed cabbage rolls with beef

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Beef: A Traditional Recipe Full of Flavor and Warmth

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a symbol of traditional cuisine, often associated with festive meals and moments of conviviality spent with loved ones. This recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with beef is simple yet full of flavor, and the final result will bring a smile to the faces of all who taste them. Additionally, it is a recipe that can be adapted according to everyone's preferences, making it even more special.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g beef (ideally ground beef)
- 1 large pickled cabbage (or 500 g prepared pickled cabbage leaves)
- 100 g rice (optional, for added texture)
- 1-2 tablespoons oil (to add juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons paprika (sweet or hot)
- 1-2 tablespoons cabbage roll spices
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 500 ml tomato juice (for sauce)

Necessary utensils

- A large pot for boiling the cabbage rolls
- A bowl for mixing the ingredients
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Spatula

Preparation

1. Preparing the cabbage: If using pickled cabbage, it is recommended to soak it in cold water for a few hours to reduce the saltiness. This step is essential, as overly salty cabbage can ruin the taste of the rolls. If you have cabbage prepared by a loved one, like your mother-in-law, even better!

2. Mixing the meat: In a large bowl, add the ground beef. Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and cabbage roll spices. Add oil to keep the meat juicy, especially since beef tends to be tougher. If you choose to add rice, wash it well under cold water and incorporate it into the meat mixture.

3. Chopping the cabbage: Cut some of the cabbage into small strips to place at the bottom of the pot. This step will prevent the rolls from sticking to the bottom and will add flavor.

4. Arranging the rolls: Take a cabbage leaf, place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center, and wrap it up. Make sure the edges of the leaf are well folded. Arrange the rolls in the pot in layers, alternating with bay leaves and peppercorns for added flavor.

5. Boiling the rolls: Once all the rolls are arranged, add water until the rolls are covered. Pour the tomato juice on top, which will add a delicious taste and vibrant color. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about an hour. After this time, turn off the heat and let the rolls rest for another 30 minutes with the lid on. This step is essential for the flavors to develop.

6. Serving: The cabbage rolls are delicious served alongside a portion of warm polenta, which will perfectly complement their taste. You can also add pickled or fresh chili peppers for an extra kick of flavor.

Practical tips

- If you prefer less salty rolls, make sure the cabbage is well desalted. You can check the taste before preparing them.
- You can add spices like thyme or dill to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
- If you want a lighter version, you can replace some of the beef with pork or turkey.
- The rolls can be easily frozen, so don’t hesitate to prepare a double batch for days when you don’t have time to cook.

Nutritional information

One serving of beef stuffed cabbage rolls contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of meat and oil used. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and pickled cabbage provides beneficial probiotics for health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh cabbage instead of pickled cabbage?
Yes, but you will need to boil it a little to soften it and give it the specific flavor.

2. How can I make the rolls spicier?
Add more pepper or use hot paprika instead of sweet paprika.

3. What can I do with leftover meat?
You can make meatballs or a delicious stew!

Combine with

These cabbage rolls are ideal alongside creamy polenta or a fresh summer salad. To complete the meal, you can serve a dry red wine, which will highlight the rich flavors of the dish.

I wish you much success in preparing these beef stuffed cabbage rolls! Each bite will bring a touch of warmth and joy to your heart and table. Enjoy your meal!