Stuffed cabbage rolls

Delicious stuffed cabbage rolls - a traditional Romanian recipe

Preparing stuffed cabbage rolls is a culinary art that combines tradition with the unmistakable flavors of meat and vegetables. This recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls is perfect for a festive meal or a family Sunday. The total preparation time is approximately 2 hours, and this recipe will yield 4-6 servings of delights.

Necessary ingredients:
- 700 g minced pork
- 100 g smoked pork neck
- 4-5 slices of smoked bacon
- 2 tablespoons (approximately 60 g) of rice
- 1 large onion
- 5 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 large pickled cabbage (with thin leaves)
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 bay leaf
- Peppercorns
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper
- Fresh dill (to taste)
- Thyme (to taste)
- Warm water (for boiling)
- Optional: sour cream for serving

Preparation time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Boiling: 1 hour
- Baking: 30 minutes
- Total: 2 hours

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the cabbage leaves: Choose a large pickled cabbage with thin leaves. If the cabbage is too sour or salty, rinse the leaves under warm water and squeeze them gently. If the leaves are small, remove the thick veins from the back, being careful not to tear the leaf. If the leaves are too large, you can cut them in half.

2. Preparing the filling: Finely chop the minced pork along with the smoked neck. In a pan, sauté the chopped onion in the 2 tablespoons of oil until it becomes translucent. Mix the sautéed onion with the minced meat, add the rice, ground pepper, thyme, and dill. Add a cup of cold water to tenderize the meat and mix well.

3. Forming the cabbage rolls: Take a cabbage leaf and place a tablespoon of the meat mixture at its base. Leave 2 cm free at the ends to roll the leaf. Roll the leaf tightly, folding the edges to prevent it from coming apart during boiling.

4. Preparing the pot: Cut a few cabbage leaves into julienne and place them at the bottom of a large pot. Add the slices of smoked bacon for extra flavor. Arrange the cabbage rolls, one next to the other (they can overlap if necessary), but make sure the pot is tall enough to allow the rolls to boil without burning.

5. Boiling the cabbage rolls: Pour boiling water over the rolls so they are completely covered. Add the sautéed tomato paste and a bay leaf for flavor. Let it simmer on low heat for about an hour, adding warm water if necessary.

6. Finishing the dish: After the cabbage rolls have boiled, transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 180°C and let them reduce for 30 minutes. This step will intensify the flavors and provide a delicious crust.

Serving suggestion: Serve the cabbage rolls hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top and a side of polenta. You can add freshly chopped dill for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different fillings by adding chopped vegetables or mushrooms to the meat mixture. Also, instead of pork, you can use beef or even a vegetarian version with quinoa and vegetables.

This recipe for cabbage rolls is not only a delicious dish but also a wonderful way to gather the family around the table. Enjoy every bite and savor the authentic flavors of Romanian cuisine!

 Ingredients: 700 g pork meat, 100 g smoked pork neck, 4-5 slices of smoked pork belly, 2 tablespoons of rice, 1 large onion, 2 heaping tablespoons of rice (60 g), dill, a little thyme, 1 large pickled cabbage with thin leaves, 5 tablespoons of broth, 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 bay leaf, peppercorns, 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper, optional sour cream for serving.

 Tags:  cabbage rolls pork ribs