Stuffed cabbage rolls with pork and veal

Cabbage Rolls with Pork and Veal in Sweet Cabbage Leaves

Cabbage rolls are a symbol of hospitality and culinary tradition, often associated with family celebrations. This recipe for cabbage rolls with pork and veal in sweet cabbage leaves is not only delicious but also full of stories and memories. It is a dish that brings together the rich flavors of meat, the freshness of greens, and the warmth of a well-heated oven. I invite you to discover how to prepare these delicious cabbage rolls step by step, to impress anyone.

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 300 g minced pork
- 300 g minced veal
- 200 g pork rind
- 3 large onions
- 4-5 tablespoons chopped dill
- 4-5 tablespoons rice
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste or tomato juice
- 4-5 fresh tomatoes
- Salt, pepper, and spices (thyme, tarragon)
- Peppercorns
- 3-4 bay leaves
- A sprig of basil
- A sprig of thyme
- Borscht (1-2 liters)
- 1-2 pieces of fresh cabbage (or frozen cabbage leaves)

Preparation of Ingredients

1. Process the cabbage: If using fresh cabbage, wash it well under cold water. Then, blanch it in salted water with a bit of borscht until it becomes soft but not completely. If using frozen cabbage leaves, let them thaw naturally and reach room temperature. The leaves should be flexible for easy rolling.

2. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the minced pork and veal. Add the finely chopped onion, well-washed rice, dill, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. It is important that all ingredients are well mixed to obtain a homogeneous filling. Add a little oil and mineral water to achieve a fluffier composition.

Forming the Cabbage Rolls

3. Rolling the cabbage rolls: Take a cabbage leaf and place a portion of the meat mixture on its edge. Fold one end of the leaf over the meat and roll towards the other end, making sure to tuck the edges of the leaf inside the roll to prevent the filling from escaping. Continue forming rolls until you finish the mixture.

Assembling the Cabbage Rolls

4. Preparing the pot: In a large pot, finely chop the remaining cabbage leaves and place them on the bottom of the pot. This layer will prevent the rolls from sticking to the bottom.

5. Placing the rolls: Layer the cabbage rolls, alternating with pork rind and bay leaves, peppercorns, a sprig of thyme, and basil. You can add slices of tomatoes between layers for a fresh and aromatic taste. The last layer should be chopped cabbage.

Cooking the Cabbage Rolls

6. Adding the liquid: Pour boiling water and borscht into the pot, ensuring that the cabbage rolls are covered. Adjust the amount of liquid depending on how juicy you want the rolls to be. Personally, I like the broth to be redder, so feel free to add more tomato paste or tomato juice.

7. Boiling: Place the lid on the pot and set it on low heat. Let it simmer for about 1-1.5 hours until the rolls are cooked. After they are halfway cooked, you can transfer them to the oven to brown at a temperature of 180°C for about 30-45 minutes.

Serving

8. Finalizing the dish: Check the rolls from time to time; if the liquid reduces too much, add a little water and borscht. When they are ready, remove the rolls from heat and let them cool slightly.

9. Serving suggestions: Cabbage rolls are served hot, alongside creamy polenta, hot peppers, and sour cream. This combination brings a perfect contrast of textures and flavors, turning every meal into an unforgettable experience.

Tips and Tricks

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat or even vegetables for a vegetarian version. For example, a combination of mushrooms and rice can be just as delicious.
- Storing the rolls: Cabbage rolls freeze very well, so you can prepare a double batch and keep them for days when you don't have time to cook.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of cabbage rolls has about 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a nutritious option for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use pickled cabbage? Yes, pickled cabbage adds a distinct flavor and can be used similarly to sweet cabbage.
- How can I customize the spices? Experiment with various herbs and spices, adding coriander or sweet paprika for a unique taste.

Cabbage rolls with pork and veal in sweet cabbage leaves are more than just a dish; they are a true culinary experience that brings family and friends together around the table. So, put your skills into practice, invite your loved ones, and enjoy this traditional dish!

 Ingredients: 300 g minced pork 300 g minced veal 200 g pork rind 3 onions 3-4 tablespoons chopped dill 4-5 tablespoons rice tomato paste or tomato juice 4-5 tomatoes salt, pepper, spices (thyme, tarragon) peppercorns, 3-4 bay leaves, a sprig of basil, a sprig of thyme 1-2 pieces of fresh cabbage (I used frozen cabbage leaves)