Stuffed cabbage rolls with smoked neck

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Smoked Neck - A Traditional Delicacy

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

Stuffed cabbage rolls are more than just a dish; they are a symbol of culinary tradition, a meal that brings family together and fills the house with enticing aromas. Today, I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with smoked neck, a perfect combination of juicy meat, fine rice, and the distinct aroma of smokiness.

Ingredients

- 1 kg ground pork
- 2 large onions
- 2 teaspoons of pepper paste
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 4-5 tablespoons of oil
- 250 g rice
- Salt, pepper to taste
- Pickled cabbage leaves (approximately 1 kg)
- 300 g smoked neck
- Green cabbage (optional)

Necessary utensils

- Large pot for boiling
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Grater (optional, for green cabbage)
- Baking sheet (for an elegant serving)

Preparation of ingredients

1. Onion: Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion. You can use a sharp knife or a food processor to save time.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a deep frying pan, heat 4-5 tablespoons of oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The onion is ready when it becomes translucent and slightly soft (about 5-7 minutes).

3. Adding the pepper paste: Once the onion is softened, add the pepper paste and paprika. These ingredients will bring a rich flavor to your cabbage rolls. Mix well and let them combine for 2-3 minutes.

4. Preparing the rice: Wash the rice in about 6 waters to remove excess starch. This step will help the cabbage rolls not to be too sticky. After washing, let it drain.

5. Meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, drained rice, sautéed onion, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix well with a spatula. Make sure all ingredients are well integrated.

Preparation of cabbage leaves

6. Cabbage leaves: If the pickled cabbage is very sour, you can soak it in cold water for 15-20 minutes to reduce its acidity. After that, squeeze the leaves and cut the central vein to make them easier to fold.

Preparation of smoked neck

7. Smoked neck: Cut the smoked neck into four pieces. This will add an intense flavor to your cabbage rolls, but it is important to boil it first to soften it and prepare it for cooking.

Wrapping the cabbage rolls

8. Wrapping: On each cabbage leaf, add a generous tablespoon of the meat mixture. Wrap the cabbage rolls tightly, folding the edges inward to prevent the filling from leaking. You can use an online video as a visual guide if you need extra help.

Arranging in the pot

9. Placing the cabbage rolls: In a large pot, place a layer of finely chopped pickled cabbage on the bottom. Arrange a first layer of cabbage rolls, followed by two pieces of smoked neck and another layer of green cabbage, if using. Continue alternating layers until you have used all the ingredients. Finally, add water (you can also use the water in which the neck was boiled) until the cabbage rolls are covered.

Cooking the cabbage rolls

10. Boiling: Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 2 hours. The cabbage rolls are ready when the rice and meat are well cooked and the flavors have perfectly combined.

Serving

The cabbage rolls are served hot, ideally alongside fresh sour cream and polenta. You can decorate the plate with freshly chopped dill for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Useful tips

- If you want a spicier version, add some chopped hot peppers to the meat mixture.
- Experiment with different types of meat, such as beef or turkey, for a different taste.
- For a more complex flavor, you can add a few peppercorns or a few bay leaves during boiling.

Nutritional benefits

Cabbage rolls are a good source of protein due to the pork, while the rice provides complex carbohydrates. Pickled cabbage is rich in probiotics, which aid digestion.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use brown rice? Yes, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be longer.
- How can I store the cabbage rolls? You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them in portions for quick meals later.

Conclusion

Stuffed cabbage rolls with smoked neck are a traditional recipe that brings the whole family together. Whether you prepare them for Christmas or for a weekend meal, these cabbage rolls are sure to be a hit. I wish you good appetite and happy holidays!

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking. It may become a family recipe to pass down!

 Ingredients: 1 kg ground pork 2 large onions 2 tsp. pepper paste 1 tsp. paprika 4-5 tbsp oil 250 g rice salt, pepper pickled cabbage leaves 300 g smoked neck green and pickled cabbage

 Tags:  cabbage rolls smoked nape onions rice