Stuffed cabbage rolls in a clay pot

Stuffed cabbage rolls with pickled cabbage in a clay pot - A traditional recipe full of flavor

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

Stuffed cabbage rolls with pickled cabbage are a delicacy that evokes festive meals, family gatherings, and culinary traditions passed down through generations. Cooked in a clay pot, the rolls acquire a distinctive taste, and the flavors blend perfectly, creating a dish that invites you to the table. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the most delicious rolls, with a perfect filling and an appetizing appearance.

Ingredients

- 1 kg ground pork (for a rich flavor, but can be combined with beef)
- ½ kg white onion (about 3-4 medium onions)
- 1 red bell pepper (for added sweetness and color)
- Pickled cabbage leaves (about 1-1.5 kg, depending on the size of the rolls)
- 250 g rice (washed and drained)
- 250 g smoked bacon (for an authentic taste and irresistible aroma)
- Pork seasoning (or a preferred spice mix, such as paprika, cumin)
- Thyme (dried and fresh)
- Fresh dill (for a vibrant taste)
- 200 ml tomato puree (or tomato paste)
- Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
- 50 ml oil (for sautéing and greasing)
- Dried thyme and dill (to add depth)

Useful tips for ingredients

- Ground meat: Choose pork with a moderate fat content to achieve juicy rolls. If you prefer a lighter taste, combine pork with beef.
- Pickled cabbage: Ensure the cabbage is well-fermented, as it adds a tangy flavor and a bit of salt. If the leaves are too salty, you can rinse them lightly under cold water.
- Rice: It is important to wash the rice before using it to remove the starch and prevent the rolls from sticking together.
- Smoked bacon: This will add a deep, smoky flavor to the rolls. A delicious alternative is to use smoked ham or lard.

Preparation techniques

1. Preparing the cabbage: Separate the pickled cabbage leaf by leaf. Rinse them under cold water to reduce saltiness. Cut the thick stems to make the leaves easier to roll.

2. Filling: In a heated pan with oil, add the finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Let them sweat over low heat, adding 100 ml of water, until translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Add the tomato puree and chopped fresh dill, mix, and let cool.

3. Mixing ingredients: Once the onion and pepper mixture has cooled, combine it with the ground meat, washed rice, thyme, pork seasoning, and pepper. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

4. Forming the rolls: Take a cabbage leaf, place a tablespoon of filling at the base of the leaf, and roll tightly, folding the side edges to seal the filling. Repeat the process until you finish all the leaves and filling.

5. Arranging in the clay pot: In the clay pot, add a splash of oil, then add a few cabbage leaves and the cut stems. Layer the rolls, interspersing with slices of smoked bacon. Cover with cabbage leaves and add water until the rolls are completely submerged.

6. Cooking: Place the clay pot over low heat and let it simmer for about 2 hours. If using a stove, it is recommended to place a heat diffuser under the clay pot to prevent it from cracking.

Serving

The rolls are delicious served plain or with a spoonful of sour cream and a spicy pepper on the side. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible! You can also add a fresh summer salad for a complete meal.

Variations

You can experiment with the fillings of the rolls, replacing pork with turkey or a vegetarian option using mushrooms and vegetables. You can also add spices like paprika or garlic for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional benefits

Stuffed cabbage rolls are an excellent source of protein due to the meat and rice, while pickled cabbage provides a significant amount of vitamins and probiotics beneficial for digestion. Additionally, smoked bacon adds a special flavor, but its consumption should be moderate due to sodium content.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use fresh cabbage?: Yes, but you will need to blanch it to make it easier to roll.
- How can I store the rolls?: The rolls keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen for later use.
- Can I make them without meat?: Absolutely! You can fill the rolls with a combination of vegetables, rice, and spices.

I hope this recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with pickled cabbage in a clay pot brings you joy and comfort at your festive table. It is a recipe that not only celebrates our tradition but also entices us with unforgettable flavors. Let’s cook together and enjoy the beauty of cooking!

 Ingredients: 1 kg ground pork 1/2 kg white onion 1 red bell pepper pickled cabbage leaves 250 g rice 250 g smoked bacon seasoning for pork thyme, fresh dill 200 ml tomato paste pepper 50 ml oil dried thyme and dill

 Tags:  stuffed cabbage rolls cabbage rolls with pickled cabbage cabbage rolls in clay pot