Stuffed cabbage rolls

Cabbage Rolls - a traditional Romanian recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Cabbage rolls are an emblematic dish of Romanian cuisine, full of flavor and warmth, perfect for festive meals or family dinners. This recipe for cabbage rolls will turn any meal into an unforgettable feast. Follow the steps below and discover the secrets to making delicious, juicy, and aromatic cabbage rolls.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg pork (or a mix of beef and pork for a more complex flavor)
- 200 g rice (preferably long grain for better texture)
- 2 large onions (finely chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (for a more intense flavor)
- 1 cup of boiled water
- 1.5 kg sour cabbage (make sure it is well desalted)
- 100 ml tomato juice (you can also use concentrated tomato paste)
- Bay leaves (2-3 leaves)
- Thyme sprigs (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Dried dill leaves (or fresh if preferred)
- 150 g smoked bacon (optional, but recommended for a special flavor)
- 200 g smoked pork knuckle (for aroma)

Step 1: Prepare the cabbage
To ensure the cabbage is perfect for rolls, you need to desalt it. Remove the core and place the cabbage in cold water for a few hours, changing the water several times. After it has been desalted, wash it well under running water. Then, carefully detach the leaves.

Step 2: Prepare the filling
Finely chop the onion and sauté it in a pan with a little oil until it becomes translucent. In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the rice, sautéed onion, bell pepper, and sweet paprika. Gradually add boiled water, mixing well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

Step 3: Rolling the cabbage rolls
On each cabbage leaf, place a spoonful of the meat and rice mixture and carefully roll it up, folding the edges to seal the filling. Continue until you have used up all the mixture.

Step 4: Cook the cabbage rolls
In a large pot, place a layer of cabbage leaves, then add the cabbage rolls, alternating with slices of smoked bacon and smoked pork knuckle. Add the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Pour in the tomato juice and enough water until the rolls are covered. Simmer on low heat, covered, for about 2 hours. Check occasionally, adding water if necessary.

Step 5: Serving and variations
Once the cabbage rolls are ready, let them rest for 15 minutes before serving. Their flavor becomes even better after sitting for a while. You can serve them with sour cream and polenta for a traditional meal. A delicious option is to add freshly chopped dill on top before serving for an extra flavor boost.

Personal suggestion: If you want to add a twist to this classic recipe, try adding some chopped green olives to the filling for a surprising taste. This simple recipe for cabbage rolls will bring a touch of nostalgia to every bite.

By following these simple steps, you will achieve delicious, flavorful cabbage rolls that will surely impress all your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg of pork or a mix of beef and pork, 200 grams of rice, 2 medium onions, pepper, 1 cup of boiled water, 1.5 kg of sauerkraut, 100 ml of tomato juice, concentrated broth, bay leaves, thyme sprigs, sweet paprika, dried dill leaves, smoked bacon, smoked knuckle.