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Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Cabbage Rolls Recipe
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This warm and comforting Cabbage Rolls Recipe features tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat, cooked rice, onions, and herbs, baked in tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is easy to make, nutritious, customizable, and even better as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cabbage (green or savoy)
  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or a mix)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (or quinoa, bulgur as alternatives)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Optional herbs: fresh parsley, dill, or thyme to taste

Variations

  • Vegetarian option: Substitute ground meat with cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms
  • Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the filling or tomato sauce
  • Cheesy delight: Mix ½ cup shredded cheese into the filling
  • Grain alternatives: Use quinoa or barley instead of rice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cabbage leaves: Boil a large pot of water and gently blanch the cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and your choice of herbs. Mix just until evenly blended to keep the filling tender.
  3. Assemble the rolls: Lay one cabbage leaf flat. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling near the stem end. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly away from you to form neat parcels. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
  4. Prepare the baking dish: Spread a little tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down, packing them snugly.
  5. Add tomato sauce and bake: Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly over the rolls. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until filling is cooked through and cabbage is tender.
  6. Rest before serving: Let the baked cabbage rolls sit covered for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Choose green or savoy cabbage for pliable leaves less likely to tear.
  • Blanching the cabbage leaves softens them for easier wrapping.
  • Mix the filling gently to avoid tough meat texture.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or dill to enhance flavor brightness.
  • Leftover cabbage rolls taste better after resting overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, comfort food, baked cabbage, ground meat recipe, savory rolls

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/cabbage-rolls-recipe/