Stuffed cabbage rolls with pumpkin

Stuffed Cabbage with Pumpkin: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

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

A recipe for stuffed cabbage with pumpkin is an unusual combination that adds a touch of originality to traditional dishes. This recipe blends the taste of meat with the sweetness of pumpkin, offering a culinary experience full of flavor and diverse textures. Stuffed cabbage is a symbol of hospitality and family gatherings, and this variant adds a special note that will surely impress everyone.

Necessary ingredients:

- 800 g minced meat (mix of pork and beef)
- 80 g rice (washed and drained)
- 300 g smoked bacon (diced)
- 200 g pumpkin (grated)
- 3 onions (grated)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 15-20 cabbage leaves (soaked)
- ½ pickled cabbage (chopped)
- 4-5 bay leaves
- 1 cup tomato paste
- Boiling water (to fill the pot)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step is essential to remove excess starch and achieve a less sticky texture after cooking. Peel the pumpkin and grate it finely. The onion should be grated so that it easily integrates into the stuffing mixture.

2. Filling mixture
In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the rice, grated pumpkin, onion, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spatula, ensuring all ingredients are homogeneous. You can take a moment to taste the mixture (without the meat, of course) and adjust the spices according to your preferences.

3. Preparing the cabbage leaves
If you are using pickled cabbage leaves, make sure they are well soaked. If the leaves are too salty, you can rinse them under cold water. Choose large cabbage leaves that can be easily rolled. Smaller leaves can be used to cover the stuffed cabbage in the pot.

4. Stuffing the cabbage
Take a cabbage leaf, place a generous spoonful of the meat and rice mixture in the center of the leaf, then fold the edges inward and roll tightly. Continue this process until you finish all the ingredients. You may find it easier to fill them if you let the cabbage leaves sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using them.

5. Arranging the stuffed cabbage in the pot
In a large pot (preferably one with a lid), place some chopped pickled cabbage at the bottom to prevent the stuffed cabbage from sticking. Arrange the stuffed cabbage in layers, alternating with pieces of smoked bacon and a few bay leaves. This mixture will add extra flavor.

6. Adding the liquid
After you have arranged all the stuffed cabbage, pour the diluted tomato paste mixed with boiling water until they are covered. It is important that the stuffed cabbage is completely submerged to cook evenly. You can add extra spices, such as fresh thyme or pepper.

7. Cooking the stuffed cabbage
Cover the pot with a lid and place it on medium heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 2 hours. You can check occasionally to ensure the stuffed cabbage does not stick to the bottom of the pot and that the liquid does not reduce too much. If necessary, you can add more hot water.

8. Serving the stuffed cabbage
After the stuffed cabbage is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors stabilize. You can serve them with sour cream and freshly chopped dill, alongside a portion of warm polenta. This is a true feast!

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can substitute the pork and beef with chicken or turkey for a lighter version. You can also add spices like cumin or coriander for a different flavor.
- Secret ingredient: If you want to enhance the flavor of the stuffed cabbage, add 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste to the meat mixture.
- Storage: The stuffed cabbage can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later consumption. Make sure to label them with the preparation date.

Nutritional benefits:

Stuffed cabbage with pumpkin provides a good source of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the rice, and vitamins from the vegetables. Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and is low in calories, making it an excellent ingredient for a delicious and healthy dish.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh cabbage leaves?
Yes, but you need to blanch them first to make them pliable and easy to roll.

2. How can I make the stuffed cabbage spicier?
Add chopped hot peppers or chili flakes to the meat mixture.

3. Can I use other types of pumpkin?
While the pie pumpkin is ideal, you can also experiment with other varieties, such as butternut or green pumpkin.

Stuffed cabbage with pumpkin is more than just a dish; it is a story, a tradition, and a symbol of family warmth. Try this recipe and enjoy every bite!