Stuffed cabbage rolls with polenta

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Polenta: A Delicious and Comforting Combination

Total Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Servings: 6

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a traditional dish, rich in flavor and history, that brings together a variety of tastes and textures. While in some parts of the world this dish is often associated with polenta, many have not had the chance to try this combination. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to create delicious stuffed cabbage rolls, accompanied by creamy polenta that will surely delight your family and friends!

Ingredients you will need:

For the cabbage rolls:
- 500 g pork (or a mix of pork and beef for a more complex flavor)
- 30 pickled cabbage leaves (or fresh, if you prefer)
- 1 cup of rice (approximately 200 g)
- 1 large onion
- 1 cube of smoked bacon (optional, for a richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil
- 1 can of tomato paste (usually 400 g)
- Dried thyme and dill (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the polenta:
- 250 g cornmeal (approximately 1 cup)
- 1 liter of water
- Salt (to taste)
- Sour cream (for serving)

Step 1: Preparing the filling for the cabbage rolls

Start by finely chopping the onion. In a pot, heat the oil over medium heat and add the onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the sweet paprika and mix well, allowing the flavors to combine.

Add the rice to the pot and stir for 5 minutes, so that the rice absorbs the flavors of the onion and paprika. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Once cooled, add the ground meat, salt, and pepper to taste, along with 4-5 tablespoons of tomato paste. Mix everything well so that the ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 2: Wrapping the cabbage rolls

Wash the cabbage leaves if they are too salty, and cut off the thicker stems. Taking each cabbage leaf, add a tablespoon of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the sides inward and then roll the leaf, forming a small package. Repeat this process for all the cabbage leaves and meat mixture.

Step 3: Preparing the cabbage rolls

In a large pot or casserole, add finely chopped cabbage to create a base layer. Place the cabbage rolls on top, making sure to pack them tightly but without compressing them too much. If you have some, you can add a few slices of smoked bacon on top for extra flavor. Sprinkle dried thyme and dill over the rolls, then add the remaining tomato paste dissolved in water to cover the rolls.

Step 4: Cooking the cabbage rolls

Cover the pot with a lid and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 2 hours. Alternatively, you can cook the cabbage rolls on the stovetop over low heat. Be sure to check occasionally to see if they are cooking well and add water if necessary.

Step 5: Preparing the polenta

In a separate pot, bring the water to a boil and add salt to taste. When the water starts to boil, gradually add the cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat and continue stirring for about 15-20 minutes until the polenta becomes creamy and smooth. If you prefer a softer polenta, add a little water.

Step 6: Serving

When the cabbage rolls are ready, serve them hot alongside creamy polenta and a spoonful of sour cream. This combination is comforting and full of flavor, perfect for a family meal.

Helpful Tips:

1. If you want a more intense flavor, let the cabbage rolls sit for a few hours or even overnight before serving. The flavors will deepen.
2. You can add other spices, such as cayenne pepper or bay leaves, for extra flavor.
3. If you want to make the rolls less fatty, opt for chicken or turkey meat.
4. Variations: You can add grated vegetables to the filling, such as carrots or zucchini, to make them healthier.
5. The cabbage rolls can be frozen, so feel free to prepare a double batch!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use fresh cabbage?
Yes, but it's recommended to blanch or salt it to make it softer and easier to handle.
2. What type of meat can I use?
You can combine different types of meat, such as pork, beef, or chicken, depending on your preferences.
3. How can I make the polenta more interesting?
Try adding feta cheese or grated cheese to the hot polenta for an extra flavor boost.

This recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with polenta is not just a culinary delight but also a perfect way to gather the family around the table. Enjoy every bite and let yourself be carried away by pleasant memories and the warmth of this traditional meal! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: pork meat 500 g or a mix with beef, pickled cabbage leaves 30 pcs (I put them in a jar to pickle), salt, pepper, 1 cup of rice, 1 onion, 1 cube of smoked bacon - Knorr - optional, sweet paprika 1 teaspoon, 3-4 tablespoons of oil, 1 can of tomato paste, thyme, dill. Polenta: cornmeal, salt, water, sour cream.

 Tags:  stuffed cabbage rolls pork pickled cabbage rice rib mamaliga malai