Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe: A Traditional Comfort Food Delight

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core of the cabbage and carefully place the whole head into the boiling water.
• Boil for 5-7 minutes, gently peeling off the outer leaves with tongs as they soften. Set the leaves aside to cool. Repeat until you have about 12-15 large cabbage leaves.

2. Make the Filling

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Prepare the Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
• Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

4. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

• Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture to the center of the leaf.
• Fold the sides over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the stem end. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

5. Bake the Cabbage Rolls

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
• Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are fully covered.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Let the cabbage rolls cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:

• Cabbage Alternative: If you’re short on time, use pre-packaged cabbage leaves or Savoy cabbage, which is more pliable.
• Make Ahead: Stuffed cabbage rolls can be assembled and refrigerated a day in advance, making them perfect for meal prep.
• Freezing Option: These rolls freeze beautifully. Simply bake, cool, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.