Stuffed Cabbages Rolls

Introduction

In the realm of culinary delights, where tastes and textures dance in harmony, emerges a dish that encapsulates tradition and innovation on a single plate – Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. This gastronomic masterpiece takes the humble cabbage to new heights, transforming it into a vessel of savory goodness. Imagine a symphony of flavors, where tender cabbage leaves embrace a filling so rich and satisfying that every bite resonates like a sonata of satisfaction. Join us on this culinary journey as we unravel the art of crafting these exquisite stuffed cabbage rolls.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to embark on your stuffed cabbage roll adventure:

For the Rolls:

• 1 large cabbage head
• 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 egg
• Olive oil

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato puree
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

 

Step by Step

1. Prepping the Cabbage Leaves:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
   • Gently core the cabbage and immerse it, core-side down, into the boiling water.
   • Allow the leaves to soften, carefully peeling them off one by one. Set aside.
2. Preparing the Filling:
   • Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan.
   • Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
   • Incorporate the ground meat and cook until browned.
   • Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Stir in the cooked rice and chopped parsley.
   • Let the filling cool slightly before adding the egg. Mix thoroughly.
3. Rolling Magic:
   • Take a cabbage leaf and trim the tough center stem.
   • Place a generous scoop of the filling onto the leaf’s center.
   • Fold in the sides and roll it into a neat bundle.
   • Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Crafting the Tomato Blanket:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • For the tomato sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan.
   • Pour in the tomato puree, sugar, salt, and pepper.
   • Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
5. Embrace and Bake:
   • Lay a bed of extra cabbage leaves or sliced onions in a baking dish.
   • Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls atop this bed.
   • Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls, covering them like a cozy blanket.
6. Oven’s Warm Embrace:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
   • Slide it into the preheated oven.
   • Let the rolls bake for 40-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

 

Conclusion

As the aroma wafts from your oven and the stuffed cabbage rolls bake to perfection, you’ll find that the wait was well worth it. The cabbage leaves turn tender, cradling the robust and seasoned filling. Each bite becomes a delightful mosaic of textures and tastes – the slight bitterness of cabbage, the richness of the meat, the comfort of rice, all harmonizing in a truly exceptional way.