### **Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Comforting Classic**
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a timeless dish that has graced dinner tables for generations. Known for their tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory blend of seasoned meat and rice, these rolls are simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce, creating a hearty and comforting meal. Whether you’re looking to recreate a family favorite or try something new, old-fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls are a great choice for a satisfying and nourishing dinner. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these delicious rolls from scratch, as well as why they’ve remained a staple in kitchens around the world.
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### **What Are Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?**
Stuffed cabbage rolls, often referred to as “holubtsi” in Eastern European countries or “sarma” in the Balkans, are made by wrapping seasoned meat (typically beef, pork, or a combination of both) and rice inside softened cabbage leaves. The rolls are then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until they’re tender and full of flavor. It’s a dish that can be traced back to many different cultures, each adding their own twist to the basic concept. Despite regional variations, the heart of the dish remains the same: hearty, flavorful filling wrapped in delicate cabbage.
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### **Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls**
This recipe calls for a combination of simple ingredients that create a rich, comforting dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
#### **For the Cabbage Rolls:**
– 1 large head of green cabbage
– 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra richness)
– 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 egg (for binding)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
#### **For the Tomato Sauce:**
– 2 cups tomato sauce
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
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### **How to Make Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls**
Making stuffed cabbage rolls from scratch is a bit time-consuming but well worth the effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this classic dish:
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage**
Start by removing the core of the cabbage. Carefully peel off the leaves, trying to keep them intact. You’ll need about 12-16 large leaves, depending on the size of your cabbage. To soften the cabbage leaves and make them pliable, place the whole cabbage head in a large pot of boiling water for a few minutes, or until the leaves become tender and easy to roll. Once done, set the leaves aside to cool.
#### **Step 2: Make the Filling**
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated. The egg helps bind the filling and keeps the meat moist.
#### **Step 3: Assemble the Rolls**
Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place a heaping spoonful of the meat and rice mixture in the center of the leaf. Carefully fold in the sides of the cabbage leaf and then roll it up tightly, like a burrito, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed. Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.
#### **Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce**
In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, paprika, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. This sauce will create the flavorful base for the cabbage rolls as they cook.
#### **Step 5: Cook the Cabbage Rolls**
In a large pot or Dutch oven, layer the bottom with a few extra cabbage leaves to prevent the rolls from sticking. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in the pot, seam side down. Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls, covering them completely. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let the cabbage rolls cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours. The rolls should be tender and flavorful when done.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
Once the stuffed cabbage rolls are cooked, carefully remove them from the pot and place them on a serving platter. Ladle the tomato sauce over the rolls, and serve them hot. These cabbage rolls pair beautifully with a side of crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or even a simple green salad.
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