Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Classic Comfort Food That Brings Family Together

Few dishes evoke the feeling of home and family like Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. This hearty, flavorful meal has been cherished in kitchens around the world for generations, offering a perfect balance of savory meat, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce. Whether you grew up with this recipe or are discovering it for the first time, stuffed cabbage rolls are the ultimate comfort food that warms both the body and soul.

What Are Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Stuffed cabbage rolls are made by wrapping a delicious mixture of ground meat, rice, onions, and seasonings inside tender cabbage leaves. The rolls are then simmered in a savory tomato sauce until everything is perfectly cooked and infused with flavor. Variations of this dish can be found in Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines, each bringing its own unique twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Prepare the Cabbage:
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and gently peel off the leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

3. Stuff the Cabbage Leaves:
Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture near the stem end. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, like a burrito. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

4. Prepare the Sauce:
In a skillet, heat olive oil and add tomato sauce. Stir in brown sugar if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently.

5. Cook the Rolls:
Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in a large pot or baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce over them, covering as much as possible. Cover the pot or dish and simmer on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered for the same amount of time.