Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Clay Pot

To prepare the most delicious stuffed cabbage rolls, the following steps are essential. We start by preparing the cabbage, which will be soaked in cold water if necessary. This step is crucial to remove excess salt and achieve a balanced flavor. In the meantime, we take care of the rice, which we wash well under cold running water, then leave it in a bowl of water to hydrate.

In a large pan, finely chop the onion, ensuring it releases all its flavors. The carrots, which add a sweet note, are grated on a small grater. We heat the oil in a pot and add the chopped onion, sautéing it until it becomes glassy and soft. Then, we add the grated carrot and continue to sauté the mixture, allowing the vegetables to combine perfectly. Once the carrot starts to soften, we add the rice. It’s time to mix it with the vegetables to enhance its flavor. When the rice grains become slightly transparent, we add a little water and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes so that the rice absorbs the flavors.

Once we turn off the heat, we add the finely chopped greens, tomato paste, and then the spices, making sure to set aside the peppercorns, bay leaves, and wine, which will be used later. Now, we let the mixture cool so we can work with it without burning ourselves.

In the meantime, we turn our attention to the cabbage. We cut the cabbage leaves into suitable sizes for the rolls, ensuring they are large enough to wrap the filling. The remaining stems are finely chopped and placed at the bottom of a clay pot, thus preparing a layer of flavor that will enrich the rolls.

Now it’s time to assemble the rolls. We start by placing a first layer of rolls in the pot, adding a bay leaf and a few peppercorns between layers. We continue to alternate layers of rolls with spices until the filling is exhausted. Finally, we cover everything with the remaining cabbage leaves, pour wine over the rolls, and put the lid on the pot.

The pot is now ready to be put on low heat, where it will simmer for about an hour and a half. Here, the flavors will combine and create a delicious dish that will fill the house with an inviting aroma. The stuffed cabbage rolls will become soft and full of flavor, waiting to be enjoyed alongside fresh sour cream and warm polenta. This traditional recipe will surely bring joy and satisfaction to your table!