Cabbage rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls - a traditional recipe, full of flavor and nostalgia

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a true culinary treasure, a dish that evokes memories of family gatherings, festive meals, and the warm aroma of home. This recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls is a perfect combination of meat, rice, and spices, all carefully wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves.

Total preparation time: 3 hours
Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
- 0.5 kg mixed pork (shoulder, leg, etc.)
- 0.5 kg pork belly
- 300 g smoked bacon (kaiser)
- 4 kg pickled cabbage
- 240 g round-grain rice
- 0.5 kg onion
- 200 ml oil
- 200 ml dry red wine
- 125 g tomato paste
- A can of tomatoes in juice
- Dill, thyme, paprika, ground black pepper
- A bunch of fresh dill for serving

Preparing stuffed cabbage rolls is a satisfying process, but also involves small tricks that can turn a good recipe into a memorable one. Here’s how to bring this delicious dish to life, step by step.

1. Preparing the filling:
- Start by finely chopping 0.5 kg of onion. In a pan, heat 200 ml of oil over low heat and add the onion. Sauté patiently, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. It is important to avoid burning the onion, so keep the heat low.
- Once the onion is ready, add 240 g of rinsed rice. Mix well so that the rice combines with the onion, then add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

2. Preparing the meat:
- Cut 0.5 kg of mixed pork and 0.5 kg of pork belly into small cubes. Add them to a meat grinder along with 300 g of finely chopped bacon. Grind everything well so that the meat and bacon combine evenly.
- Mix this meat mixture with the rice and onion filling. Season with salt, pepper, and spices for cabbage rolls, if using. If the cabbage is already salty, it is better to avoid adding extra salt.

3. Preparing the cabbage:
- Remove the core from the pickled cabbage and cut the leaves into suitable-sized pieces for wrapping the rolls. If the cabbage leaves are very salty, you can rinse them lightly under cold running water to reduce the saltiness.

4. Wrapping the rolls:
- Take a piece of cabbage, place a spoonful of meat filling in the center, and carefully fold it, making sure the filling is well sealed inside. If you are unsure how to wrap the rolls, you can watch an explanatory video that will show you the correct technique.

5. Assembling the dish:
- In a wide and not too deep pot, place a few sprigs of dill at the bottom. Add a layer of chopped cabbage, then arrange the rolls around the edge of the pot, leaving the center free. Finally, fill the center with chopped cabbage and a few pieces of bacon for extra flavor.
- Cover the rolls with a final portion of chopped cabbage, leveling them out. Add water mixed with tomato paste, enough to cover the penultimate layer of rolls.

6. Cooking:
- Start with high heat, bringing the pot to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 45 minutes.
- After this time, add 125 g of canned tomatoes and 200 ml of dry red wine. Cover again and let the rolls simmer on low heat for another hour or until the meat is well cooked and the cabbage is tender.

7. A final note:
- If desired, you can finish the rolls in the oven for 30 minutes, uncovered, to give them a slight delicious crust.
- When ready, sprinkle chopped dill on top and serve hot, alongside a spoonful of sour cream.

Useful tips:
- A delicious variation would be to add a few slices of smoked meat between the layers of rolls for an even more intense flavor.
- If you like spicier flavors, you can add some chopped hot peppers to the filling.
- The rolls can be served with a fresh or pickled cabbage salad, and a glass of red wine will pair perfectly.

Nutritional benefits:
These stuffed cabbage rolls are an excellent source of protein from the meat and contain carbohydrates from the rice. Pickled cabbage is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for digestion. Additionally, by adding herbs, you will enhance your vitamin intake.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh cabbage instead of pickled cabbage?
Yes, but you will need to boil it a bit to soften it before using it.

- How can I store the rolls for several days?
The rolls can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for later use.

- What drinks pair well with the rolls?
A dry red wine complements the rolls perfectly, but a pale beer or even a red tea can be excellent choices.

Now that you have all the necessary information and well-explained steps, all that’s left is to start cooking! Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and share these delicious rolls with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: Ingredients (50-60 pieces): 0.5 kg mixed meat, 0.5 kg pork loin, 300g smoked bacon (kaiser), 4 kg pickled cabbage, 240g round grain rice, 0.5 kg onion, 200ml oil, 200ml dry red wine, 125g tomato paste, a can of tomatoes in sauce, dill with stalk, thyme, paprika, ground black pepper, a bunch of dill.