Stuffed cabbage rolls with green onions and smoked ham

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Green Onion and Smoked Ham: A Seasonal Delicacy with Tradition

Stuffed cabbage rolls are more than just a simple dish; they represent a symbol of conviviality and culinary tradition. Each bite of stuffed cabbage brings with it family stories, holiday memories, and moments spent with loved ones. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing delicious stuffed cabbage rolls, filled with minced meat, rice, and the fresh flavors of green onions, all enveloped in the savor of smoked ham.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 1-2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

For blanching the cabbage:
- 2 medium cabbages
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar
- Water (enough to cover the cabbages)

For the filling:
- 500 g minced pork
- 100 g rice
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- A bunch of green onions (about 100 g)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- A bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste

For cooking:
- 1 smoked ham hock (about 300 g), cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (for sauce)
- Magic borscht (about 250 ml)
- 2 tablespoons of water

Step 1: Preparing the Cabbage

The first step in preparing the stuffed cabbage is blanching the cabbage, an essential process that will make the leaves more flexible and easy to roll. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the vinegar. Remove the core from the cabbages, and when the water is boiling, add the cabbages cut side down. Let them boil for 5-10 minutes until the leaves turn light green and soften. Carefully remove them, leaf by leaf, and cut them in halves or quarters, depending on their size.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

In a large bowl, add the minced meat. Rinse the rice under cold running water until it becomes clear and add it to the meat. In a skillet, heat the oil and add the finely chopped green onions. Let it sauté for 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, dill, and thyme. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes for the flavors to combine. Once it has cooled, add the mixture to the meat and rice, mixing everything with your hands.

Step 3: Assembling the Cabbage Rolls

Each cabbage leaf will become a little "package" full of flavor. Take a cabbage leaf, place a teaspoon of filling at the edge, and roll it tightly, making sure the ends are tucked in. Repeat this process for each cabbage leaf until the filling is finished.

Step 4: Cooking the Cabbage Rolls

In a large pot, chop the remaining cabbage and place it at the bottom. Place the cut pieces of smoked ham on top. Then, arrange the cabbage rolls in a single layer, and add another layer of chopped cabbage on top. Cover everything with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 1-2 hours, depending on how soft you want the cabbage.

Step 5: Finishing the Dish

When the cabbage rolls are almost cooked, add the magic borscht and the diluted tomato paste. Let it simmer for another 10-20 minutes for the flavors to meld. After this time, turn off the heat and let the pot sit covered to infuse the flavors.

Chef's Tip

For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or sauerkraut juice to sour the dish. This will give a more intense taste and highlight the flavors of the ingredients.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Stuffed cabbage rolls can be served with warm polenta or sour cream, and a pickled vegetable salad will perfectly complement the meal. If you want to experiment, try replacing the pork with beef or even a vegetarian option using mushrooms and chopped vegetables.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of stuffed cabbage rolls (about 2 rolls) contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They are a good source of protein due to the meat, while the rice adds complex carbohydrates. Cabbage is rich in vitamins and minerals, low in calories, making stuffed cabbage rolls a healthy choice for family meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pickled cabbage?
Yes, pickled cabbage is a delicious alternative and will provide a different but very pleasant taste.

2. How can I store the cabbage rolls for later?
Stuffed cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. They can also be frozen, but it is recommended to thaw them slowly in the refrigerator before reheating.

3. What other spices can I use?
You can experiment with spices like sweet or hot paprika, garlic, or even a bit of cumin, depending on your personal preferences.

Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a comforting meal, these stuffed cabbage rolls with green onion and smoked ham will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!