Stuffed cabbage rolls with pork and smoked meat

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Pork and Smoked Meat

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a traditional dish that combines the rich flavors of meat with the crunchy texture of pickled cabbage, being a beloved meal in many cultures. Preparing stuffed cabbage can be a true ceremony, bringing family and friends together around the table. Today, I invite you to discover the savory recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with pork and smoked meat, a dish that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring warmth to your soul.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Total time: 4 hours
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

- 750 g pork with a little fat
- 450 g rice
- 6 large onions
- 4 carrots
- 200 g peeled tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ bunch of fresh parsley
- ½ bunch of fresh dill
- ½ cup oil
- 1 smoked rib
- 7-8 slices of smoked bacon
- 2 heads of pickled cabbage
- 4 tablespoons homemade tomato juice
- 1 egg
- salt
- pepper
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by filling a clay pot with water and letting it sit for 2-3 hours. This will help maintain moisture during cooking. Meanwhile, wash the pickled cabbage well and soak it in cold water for a while to reduce the excess saltiness.

2. The meat:
Wash the pork, cut it into suitable pieces, and pass it through a meat grinder to obtain a fine and uniform mixture. This will become the base of your filling.

3. The vegetables:
Peel the onion and chop it finely. Peel the carrots and grate them on a fine grater. In a large pan, heat a little oil and add the onion, sautéing it for 5 minutes until it becomes glassy. Then, add the grated carrot and let them cook for another 5 minutes.

4. The tomato sauce:
Put the peeled tomatoes in a blender to turn them into a fine puree. Add the tomato puree to the pan along with the tomato paste. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.

5. The filling mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, rice washed in 2-3 waters, the mixture of onion and carrot, the egg, and the finely chopped parsley and dill. Season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

6. Preparing the cabbage rolls:
Unfold the cabbage leaves, remove the hard stems, and cut them into suitable pieces. Take a cabbage leaf, add a tablespoon of filling on the right side, fold the cabbage from the bottom over the filling, then fold the sides and roll the cabbage roll. Make sure the filling is well sealed. The procedure is simple and becomes easier with each cabbage roll you wrap.

7. Arranging the cabbage rolls in the pot:
Drain the water from the clay pot and place a little chopped cabbage on the bottom. Sprinkle dried thyme, place pieces of smoked rib and bacon. Then, carefully arrange the cabbage rolls, alternating with pieces of smoked meat and chopped cabbage, until you exhaust all the ingredients. Pour the homemade tomato juice and fill with water until the cabbage rolls are covered.

8. Cooking the cabbage rolls:
Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature. Place the lid slightly tilted on the pot and let the cabbage rolls simmer for about 3 hours and a half. After 3 hours, take out a cabbage roll and taste it to check if it is well cooked. When they are ready, turn off the oven and let the cabbage rolls sit in the turned-off oven until they cool down a bit.

Practical tips

- Vary the filling: You can also add other ingredients to the filling of the cabbage rolls, such as mushrooms or bacon, for a different taste and texture.
- Serving: Cabbage rolls are served hot, alongside sour cream and polenta, to complete the culinary experience.
- Storage: Cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen, being even tastier after being reheated.

Nutritional benefits

Stuffed cabbage rolls with pork and smoked meat are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals due to the varied ingredients. Pickled cabbage is rich in probiotics, which aid digestion, while pork provides iron and B vitamins.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can other types of meat be used?
Yes, you can use beef, chicken, or even a combination of different types of meat, depending on your preferences.

2. Can I use fresh cabbage?
Traditional cabbage rolls are made with pickled cabbage, but if you prefer fresh cabbage, make sure to blanch it before using it to soften it.

3. What is the secret to tender cabbage rolls?
Slow cooking at moderate temperatures is the key! The longer the cabbage rolls simmer, the more intense the flavors become and the meat gets more tender.

4. What drinks pair well with cabbage rolls?
Red wine, whether dry or sweet, perfectly complements the rich taste of cabbage rolls. Additionally, a fruit compote or fresh lemonade can be excellent options.

I hope this recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with pork and smoked meat brings joy and warmth to your home. Try making it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself on a quiet evening. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 750 g of pork with a little fat, 450 g of rice, 6 large onions, 4 carrots, 200 g of peeled tomatoes, 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley, 1/2 bunch of fresh dill, 1/2 cup of oil, 1 smoked sausage, 7-8 slices of smoked bacon, 2 heads of pickled cabbage, 4 tablespoons of homemade tomato juice, 1 egg, salt, pepper, 2 teaspoons of sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.