
Here’s a detailed, unique article about 🥬 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, complete with a step-by-step guide to making this comforting classic:
🥬 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Comfort Food Classic
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a beloved dish across many cultures, from Eastern European households to Middle Eastern kitchens. These tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling make for a hearty, satisfying meal. The combination of savory meat, rice, and aromatic spices, all bathed in a rich tomato sauce, is irresistible. Here’s how to make them step by step.
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage (green or savoy)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Remove the core from the cabbage.
- Carefully place the whole cabbage head in the boiling water.
- Boil for 5–8 minutes until the outer leaves are pliable.
- Peel off the softened leaves and set aside to cool.
- Repeat with inner layers if needed, keeping about 12–15 large leaves for rolling.
Tip: Thicker stems at the base of each leaf can be gently trimmed to make rolling easier.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Taste a small piece by frying it in a pan (optional) to adjust seasoning if necessary.