Stuffed cabbage rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Pickled Cabbage - A Traditional Delicacy

If there’s a dish that brings back memories of festive meals, it’s definitely the stuffed cabbage rolls. This recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with pickled cabbage combines the rich flavors of meat with the freshness of vegetables, resulting in a comforting and savory dish, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Let’s discover together how to prepare these delights step by step!

General Information
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 2 hours
- Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 12 servings (48 rolls)
- Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving (varies depending on ingredients)

Ingredients

- 800 g ground pork (you can also use beef for a leaner version)
- 1 medium white onion
- 1 bowl of rice (approximately 150 g)
- 150 ml water
- 1 pickled white cabbage (make sure it’s well fermented)
- A few grape leaves (optional, for a unique flavor)
- 4 tablespoons of tomato paste (2 for the filling and 2 for the sauce)
- Spices:
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Thyme (to taste)
- Optional:
- A few slices of ham or pieces of pork for extra flavor

Necessary Utensils

- A large bowl for the meat mixture
- A deep pot for boiling
- A wooden spoon for mixing
- A baking dish (if you prefer to finish them in the oven)

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Preparing the Cabbage: The night before you make the rolls, soak the pickled cabbage in a bowl of cold water. This step will enhance the flavor and make the leaves more tender, making it easier to wrap the rolls.

2. The Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the ground meat with the finely chopped onion and rinsed rice. It’s important to use fresh onion to add moisture and flavor. Add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Don’t forget to add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, which will enhance the flavor.

3. Add the Water: To achieve fluffy rolls, add 150 ml of water to the mixture. This will help maintain moisture during cooking.

Forming the Rolls

4. Rolling the Cabbage Rolls: Take a cabbage leaf, remove the thicker vein (if necessary), and place a tablespoon of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf. Fold the edges, then carefully roll it up, ensuring the filling is well sealed. Repeat the process until you exhaust the meat mixture.

5. Unique Rolls: If you want to add a touch of originality, you can also use some grape leaves rolled in the same way. These add a special flavor to your rolls!

Cooking the Rolls

6. Preparing the Pot: In a deep pot, place a layer of sliced ham or, if you prefer, you can use oil. This layer will help release fat and add a delicious flavor.

7. Arranging the Rolls: Place the cabbage rolls in the bottom of the pot, surrounding the edges, leaving space in the middle to add the remaining tomato paste. You can also add some pieces of meat for an even richer taste.

8. Adding the Sauce: Pour the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste over the rolls, then fill with water, leaving about 3 fingers of space above the rolls. This will allow steam to circulate, cooking the rolls evenly.

9. Boiling and Baking: Place the pot on low heat and let it simmer for about 2 hours. After this stage, transfer the rolls to the oven at a moderate temperature (180°C) for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to intensify and the rolls to develop a slightly crispy crust.

Serving

10. Preparing Polenta (optional): Cabbage rolls pair perfectly with warm polenta and sour cream. If you want to impress, you can sprinkle a bit of sheep cheese on top.

11. Enjoying the Rolls: Once the rolls are ready, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This step is essential for the flavors to settle perfectly.

Chef’s Tip

To achieve the best results, make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. If you don’t have pickled cabbage on hand, you can use fresh cabbage, but you’ll need to boil it a bit to make it more pliable. Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with spices; add fresh dill or a dash of paprika for a different taste!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use turkey or chicken?
Yes, you can substitute pork with turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the rolls.

2. How can I store the rolls?
The rolls can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them to enjoy later!

3. What drink pairs best with cabbage rolls?
A dry red wine or a pale lager are excellent options to accompany the rolls.

4. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! You can add grated carrots or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Variations

- Whole Grain Cabbage Rolls: Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier version.
- Quinoa Cabbage Rolls: Substitute rice with quinoa for a gluten-free, protein-rich version.

Cabbage rolls are undoubtedly one of those dishes that connect us with family traditions and childhood memories. So, don’t hesitate to prepare them with love and enjoy them with your loved ones! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: about 800 g minced pork, 1 white onion, 1 small bowl of rice, 150 ml water, 1 pickled white cabbage and a few vine leaves, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste + another 2 tablespoons for the sauce. Spices: salt, ground black pepper, thyme to taste. Optional: ham, a few pieces of pork.