Stuffed cabbage rolls with smoked meat

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Smoked Meat - Delicious Recipe for Christmas

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

The winter holidays are the perfect time to fill the table with traditional recipes, and stuffed cabbage rolls with smoked meat are a must-have for Christmas. This rustic, flavorful, and satisfying dish is sure to bring joy to the hearts of all your loved ones. Let’s discover together how to prepare these wonderful stuffed cabbage rolls step by step!

Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork (ideally from the shoulder, with a bit of fat for juiciness)
- 400 g well-smoked bacon (for an intense flavor)
- 1 sour cabbage (choose a cabbage with thick leaves, so it doesn't tear easily)
- 1 large onion (for added flavor)
- 1 cup rice (preferably long-grain, which absorbs liquid well)
- 1 cup tomato juice (fresh, if possible, for a vibrant taste)
- Dried thyme (to taste, but don’t overdo it)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to enhance the flavors)
- Dried dill (optional, but highly recommended)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the meat: Rinse the pork well and dry it with a paper towel. Cut the meat into smaller pieces for easier chopping. Chop the meat together with the smoked bacon using a knife or meat grinder. This will give the stuffed cabbage rolls a deep and rich flavor.

2. Preparing the cabbage: Separate the cabbage into leaves, making sure to choose only the intact ones. If the cabbage is too salty, soak it in cold water for 30 minutes. Rinse the leaves under cold running water and let them drain.

3. Filling mixture: Finely chop the onion and add it to the minced meat. Rinse the rice well under cold running water, then add it to the meat bowl. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and dried dill, then mix all the ingredients well. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to make it easier to shape.

4. Rolling the cabbage rolls: Take a cabbage leaf and place a tablespoon of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll tightly. Make sure the rolls are well sealed so they don’t unravel during cooking.

5. Cooking the cabbage rolls: Place the rolls in a thick-bottomed pot, on a bed of leftover cabbage leaves or a few pieces of bacon. Between the rolls, add pieces of the remaining bacon for extra flavor. Sprinkle with thyme and dried dill, then pour in water and, if desired, the juice from the sour cabbage for a more intense flavor.

6. Baking: Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 2 hours. After this time, add the tomato juice and, if necessary, more water. Let the rolls simmer for another 30 minutes without a lid to concentrate the flavors.

7. Serving: Stuffed cabbage rolls with smoked meat are served hot, alongside creamy polenta, hot peppers, and sour cream. This combination will turn every Christmas meal into a memorable feast. You can also add fresh dill on top for a fresher look.

Variation suggestion: You can replace part of the pork with beef for a different texture. You can also experiment with adding spices like sweet paprika or garlic to further customize the recipe.

Enjoy every bite of these stuffed cabbage rolls with smoked meat, made with love and passion! This simple and delicious recipe will make every Christmas meal an unforgettable memory.