Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Making stuffed cabbage rolls is an enjoyable, rewarding process that results in a comforting, home-cooked meal. While it may take a little time to assemble the rolls, the hands-on effort is well worth it. Here’s how to make them:

#### Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Start by removing the outer leaves of the cabbage and cutting off the tough core. You’ll need to blanch the cabbage leaves to make them pliable for rolling. To do this, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently place the whole head of cabbage in the boiling water, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the outer leaves begin to soften. As the leaves soften, carefully peel them off one by one. You’ll need about 12 large leaves, depending on the size of your cabbage. If the leaves are very thick, you can trim the veins with a paring knife to make them easier to roll.

Once you have your leaves ready, set them aside to cool.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or pork), cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and any herbs or seasonings you like (oregano, thyme, or basil all work well). Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be moist but not overly wet.

#### Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
Now it’s time to roll up the cabbage. Lay one cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides of the leaf and roll it up tightly from the base toward the tip, like a burrito. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture is used up.

#### Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
While you’re assembling the rolls, it’s a good time to prepare the tomato sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, paprika, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

#### Step 5: Layer and Cook the Cabbage Rolls
In a large Dutch oven or deep baking dish, layer the cabbage rolls tightly, seam-side down. Once all the rolls are in the pot, pour the prepared tomato sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are all covered with sauce. If there’s not enough sauce to fully cover the rolls, you can add a little water or broth to fill the pot halfway.

Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer the cabbage rolls for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the rolls are tender and the filling is fully cooked. Check occasionally to make sure the sauce doesn’t evaporate too much. If needed, add a bit of water to maintain the liquid level.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cabbage rolls are cooked through, remove them from the heat. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the cabbage rolls with the tomato sauce spooned over the top, and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. They’re wonderful served with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even a side of sour cream for extra richness.

### Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

– **Use a Meat Mixture**: While ground beef is traditional, you can experiment with other meats like ground pork, turkey, or chicken. Some people even use a combination of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
– **Rice**: If you want a more substantial filling, try adding cooked quinoa, barley, or farro instead of rice for a nutty texture and flavor.
– **Freezer-Friendly**: Stuffed cabbage rolls freeze beautifully. After cooking, let them cool completely, then wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat by simmering in sauce.
– **Spice It Up**: For a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
– **Make it Ahead**: Stuffed cabbage rolls are a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble them a day or two in advance, refrigerate, and cook them when you’re ready to serve.

### Why You’ll Love Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

**1. Comforting and Hearty**: Stuffed cabbage rolls are the ultimate comfort food. The combination of tender cabbage, flavorful meat filling, and savory tomato sauce is warm and filling, perfect for cold evenings or when you want something satisfying.

**2. Versatile**: You can customize the filling to suit your tastes. Use different herbs, seasonings, and even cheeses to make them your own. You can also experiment with different meats or grains in the filling.

**3. Family-Friendly**: This is a great dish to make for the whole family. Kids and adults alike will love the hearty flavors and tender texture of the cabbage rolls. It’s also an easy dish to prepare in large quantities for a crowd.

**4. Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly**: Stuffed cabbage rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. The flavors actually improve the next day, so it’s a great option for meal prep or for entertaining.

### Conclusion

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a timeless, comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a hearty meal, these flavorful rolls are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With their savory filling and tangy tomato sauce, they’re a perfect way to enjoy the simple pleasures of home-cooked food.

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**Enjoy your Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, and happy cooking!**