Stuffed cabbage rolls in a clay pot

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Clay Pot

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Stuffed cabbage rolls are one of the most beloved traditional dishes, and cooking them in a clay pot gives them a special, deep, and authentic flavor. This stuffed cabbage rolls recipe is simple and delicious, perfect for holidays or family gatherings. Follow the steps below to achieve a perfect dish!

Ingredients:
- 1 kg ground meat (pork or a mix of pork and beef)
- 200 g rice
- 3 large onions
- 1 leek
- 2 carrots
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (or 2 tablespoons of dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1.5 kg pickled cabbage leaves
- 200 ml tomato juice
- 300 ml water
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (optional)

Preparation:
1. Start by washing the clay pot well and soaking it in warm water for about an hour. This step is essential to prevent the pot from cracking during cooking and to achieve an even heat distribution.

2. In a pan, heat the olive oil and add the finely chopped onion and sliced leek. Sauté them over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. This step will add a special flavor to the filling.

3. Add the grated carrot and continue to sauté the mixture for another 3-4 minutes. The carrot will bring a natural sweetness to your cabbage rolls.

4. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the washed rice, the sautéed vegetable mixture, chopped dill, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix the ingredients well with your hands to ensure everything is homogeneous.

5. Start filling the pickled cabbage leaves with the meat mixture, being careful not to overfill them to avoid breaking. Roll each cabbage roll tightly, ensuring the filling is well sealed inside.

6. Place a layer of chopped cabbage leaves at the bottom of the clay pot. Then, arrange the cabbage rolls in a single layer, preferably with the opening facing down. Continue adding layers of cabbage rolls, interspersed with cabbage leaves.

7. After you have finished placing the cabbage rolls, pour the tomato juice and water over them. You can also add thyme for extra flavor. Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil.

8. Preheat the oven to 180°C and let the clay pot bake for about 2 hours. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will make you eagerly await to savor this delicacy.

Serving suggestion:
Stuffed cabbage rolls are delicious served warm, alongside sour cream and freshly made polenta. You can also add hot peppers for a touch of spiciness if you like.

Possible variations:
For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with finely chopped mushrooms and ground nuts, providing a rich flavor and pleasant texture. You can also experiment with different spices, such as cumin or coriander, to customize the flavors.

This stuffed cabbage rolls recipe in a clay pot will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of tradition and warmth to your home. So get ready to enjoy an authentic dish, full of love and memories!

 Ingredients: minced meat mix (beef + pork) mushrooms - 5 bcorez - 100 gr 2-3 carrots 2 red onions 1 piece of leek 2 eggs green canned peas, salt, pepper, thyme