Cabbage Rolls with Mozzarella in Sauce

To prepare a delicious recipe for cabbage rolls with tomato sauce, start by choosing the right cabbage leaves. It's ideal to use fresh cabbage with meaty leaves that can be bent without breaking. So, clean the cabbage and remove the outer leaves, then place a large pot of water and salt to boil. When the water is boiling, add the cabbage leaves, allowing them to boil for about 10 minutes until they become soft and slightly flexible.

Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce. In a saucepan, add the olive oil and whole, slightly crushed garlic cloves. Let the oil heat over medium heat until the garlic begins to release its aroma, but be careful not to burn it. Then, add the tomatoes, whether you have blended them in a food processor or chopped them finely with a knife, including their juice. Mix well and add the spices: oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chili pepper, to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors combine harmoniously.

After the cabbage leaves have cooled, begin to form the rolls. On each leaf, place a piece of mozzarella and carefully roll it up, folding the edges to seal the filling. Place the rolls in a baking dish, and pour the previously prepared tomato sauce over them, ensuring that each roll is well covered. On top, add a teaspoon of tomato sauce and sprinkle breadcrumbs and grated parmesan for a delicious crust.

Preheat the oven to 180-200 °C and place the dish with the rolls in for about 15-25 minutes. This time will allow a delicious crust to form on top of the rolls, adding extra texture and flavor. Once the rolls are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

These rolls are perfect to be enjoyed alongside a fresh salad or a serving of polenta. The rich flavors of the tomato sauce, the creamy mozzarella filling, and the tender cabbage leaves combine into a dish that will delight any meal. Enjoy your meal!