Stuffed cabbage rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Minced Meat and Smoked Bacon - A Soul Recipe

Stuffed cabbage rolls are an iconic dish, beloved by everyone, evoking warm family memories. Whether you cook them for a festive meal or simply to indulge yourself on a cool evening, stuffed cabbage rolls always bring a touch of joy to the plate. In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare delicious stuffed cabbage rolls with minced pork and beef, flavored with smoked bacon and spices, all wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg minced pork and beef
- 2 pickled cabbage heads
- 1 cup rice
- 500 g smoked bacon
- 2 egg yolks
- 3-4 tablespoons sweet red pepper paste
- 1 can chopped tomatoes in juice
- Salt, freshly ground pepper, dried thyme, dried tarragon, sweet paprika

Preparing the cabbage leaves:
We start by preparing the cabbage leaves. Place the pickled cabbage leaves in a basin of water to desalt them. This step is essential as pickled cabbage can be quite salty, and we want a balanced flavor. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes.

Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, move on to preparing the filling. In a large bowl, add the minced pork and beef. Add the smoked bacon, chopped finely. The bacon adds an extra layer of flavor to the rolls, so don’t skip it. Add the washed rice, the 2 egg yolks, the sweet red pepper paste, and the spices: salt, freshly ground pepper, thyme, tarragon, and sweet paprika. Mix everything well with your hands, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Wrapping the rolls:
Now we are ready to start wrapping the cabbage rolls. Take a cabbage leaf, place a tablespoon of the meat filling in the center, and fold the edges of the leaf to seal the filling. Make sure the rolls are tightly wrapped so they don’t unravel during cooking. Repeat this process until you have used all the filling.

Arranging in the pot:
In a large pot, place a layer of finely chopped cabbage at the bottom. This layer will prevent the rolls from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Arrange the first layer of rolls, followed by slices of bacon. Continue to alternate layers of rolls and bacon until the filling is exhausted. Finally, cover everything with another layer of chopped cabbage. Pour the chopped tomatoes in juice over the top, which will provide a tangy flavor and delicious aroma.

Cooking the rolls:
Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the preheated oven at 160°C. Let the rolls cook for at least 3 hours. If you have time, you can let the rolls simmer overnight, as the longer they sit, the more delicious they become. You can check occasionally and add boiled water if needed to keep them moist.

Serving:
Stuffed cabbage rolls are delicious served with sour cream and warm polenta. You can also add a bit of hot pepper for a spicy kick. The flavors combine perfectly, and the dish is a true delight for the taste buds.

Useful tips:
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace some of the meat with chopped mushrooms.
- You can also add other spices, such as dill or coriander, for a different flavor.
- The rolls can be frozen, so you can prepare a large batch and keep them for days when you don’t have time to cook.

Nutritional information:
This recipe offers a protein-rich serving due to the meat and eggs, while the pickled cabbage provides a source of probiotics, beneficial for digestion. Each serving has approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the portion served and the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh cabbage instead of pickled cabbage?
Answer: It is possible, but the rolls will not have the same characteristic taste. Pickled cabbage provides a tangy flavor that is essential in this dish.
2. What can I use instead of bacon?
Answer: You can use bacon or any other type of smoked meat to achieve a similar taste.
3. How can I make the rolls spicier?
Answer: Add chopped hot pepper to the meat filling or serve them with a spicy sauce.

These stuffed cabbage rolls with minced meat and smoked bacon are more than just a dish - they are a story, a memory, a tradition. I hope you try them and enjoy every bite. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Ingredients: 1 1/2 kg ground pork and beef. 2 pieces of pickled cabbage. 1 cup rice. 500 g smoked bacon. 2 egg yolks. 3 or 4 tablespoons of sweet red bell pepper. 1 can of chopped tomatoes in tomato sauce. salt, freshly ground pepper, dried thyme, dried tarragon, sweet paprika.