Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

**For the Cabbage:**
– **1 large head of cabbage** (choose a firm, medium-sized head)
– **Water**, for blanching the cabbage leaves

### How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

#### Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
– Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, carefully remove the outer leaves of the **cabbage** and blanch them in the water for **1-2 minutes**, until they’re pliable. You can use a paring knife to cut out the tough stem at the base of each cabbage leaf if needed.
– After blanching, set the cabbage leaves aside to cool. You may need 12-15 leaves, depending on the size of your cabbage. Once cooled, pat them dry with a paper towel.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Filling
– Heat **olive oil** in a skillet over medium heat. Add the **chopped onion** and **garlic**, cooking for about **3-4 minutes** until softened and fragrant.
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked onion and garlic with **ground beef**, **cooked rice**, **egg**, and the seasonings (**thyme**, **oregano**, **paprika**, **salt**, and **pepper**). Mix everything together until well combined.

#### Step 3: Stuff the Cabbage Leaves
– Take each **cabbage leaf** and place a generous spoonful of the filling in the center. Fold in the sides of the leaf and then roll it up tightly, securing the filling inside.
– Repeat this process until all the cabbage leaves are stuffed.

#### Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
– In a large pot, combine the **tomato sauce**, **tomato paste**, **brown sugar**, **lemon juice**, **salt**, **pepper**, and **bay leaf**. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
– Once the sauce is simmering, arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in the pot, placing them seam-side down. Make sure they are tightly packed to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
– Spoon some of the sauce over the rolls to cover them. If needed, add a little water to ensure the cabbage rolls are submerged in the sauce.

#### Step 5: Simmer the Cabbage Rolls
– Cover the pot with a lid and let the cabbage rolls simmer over low heat for **1-1.5 hours**, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
– Check occasionally and spoon some sauce over the cabbage rolls to keep them moist. If the sauce reduces too much, you can add a little more water or broth.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
– Once the cabbage rolls are done, remove them from the pot and serve them hot. Spoon the tomato sauce over the top of each roll for extra flavor.
– You can garnish with a dollop of sour cream or fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

### Tips for Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. **Make Ahead**: Stuffed cabbage rolls can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing and store them in an airtight container.
2. **Adjust the Filling**: The beauty of stuffed cabbage rolls is their versatility. You can experiment with different fillings, like adding **mushrooms**, **zucchini**, or **sausage** for additional flavor.
3. **Use a Slow Cooker**: If you prefer to cook your cabbage rolls in a slow cooker, you can follow the same process but cook them on **low** for about **4-6 hours**. The result will be tender rolls and an incredibly rich sauce.
4. **Add a Smoky Touch**: For a smoky flavor, consider adding a **smoked paprika** or even a few slices of **smoked sausage** to the sauce.

### Why You Should Try Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

– **Hearty and Satisfying**: This dish is perfect for a filling, wholesome meal that will keep you full and satisfied. The combination of meat, rice, and cabbage makes it a balanced and nutritious option.
– **Comforting**: The tomato-based sauce is tangy and rich, making the dish the ultimate comfort food.
– **Customizable**: Whether you like your rolls spicy, smoky, or packed with extra vegetables, you can tweak the filling and sauce to your taste.
– **Great for Special Occasions**: Stuffed cabbage rolls have a timeless quality that makes them perfect for holidays, family dinners, or gatherings with friends. They’re easy to make in large quantities and can feed a crowd.

### Conclusion: A Timeless Classic

**Stuffed Cabbage Rolls** are a delicious, comforting dish that brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of meat, rice, and spices, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce, create a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for the first time or it’s a beloved family recipe passed down through the years, stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. So roll up your sleeves and dive into this classic dish that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious!