Special meat rolls

Special Cabbage Rolls - A Recipe with a Storybook Taste

Cabbage rolls are a true symbol of gastronomy, a recipe that brings family and friends together around the table. This special cabbage roll recipe, which I learned from a wise old woman, combines tradition with a unique flavor, thanks to the combination of pork belly and chicken breast. It is a recipe made with a lot of love and patience, and I promise you that the final result will please everyone. Let's start this culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 300 g of round rice
- 300 g of chicken breast
- 300 g of pork belly
- 2 large onions
- 2-3 carrots
- 150 g of white cabbage (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste or pepper paste
- 100 ml of oil
- Salt, ground black pepper, to taste
- 100 ml of warm water

For wrapping:
- Grape leaves
- White cabbage leaves
- 3 bay leaves
- Allspice berries
- A pinch of lemon salt

Preparing the cabbage rolls

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
The first step in making these special cabbage rolls is preparing the rice. Rinse the rice well under cold running water until the water runs clear. This is essential as it helps remove the starch and prevents the grains from sticking during cooking.

Step 2: The vegetables
Peel the onions and carrots. Chop the onion finely, and the carrots can be grated or diced, depending on preference. In a large skillet, heat the oil and add the onion. Sauté for about 10 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the carrot and continue to sauté for another 10 minutes. Add the finely chopped cabbage along with the tomato or pepper paste and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Chopping the meat
Cut the pork belly into small cubes and fry it in a skillet until browned. After it cools slightly, chop the meat in a meat grinder. Cut the chicken breast into small cubes to incorporate it more easily into the filling. Place all these ingredients in a large bowl.

Step 4: Mixing the filling
Add the sautéed vegetables over the rinsed rice, the chopped pork, and the chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper to taste. It is important to mix all the ingredients very well so that the flavors combine perfectly. Add 100 ml of warm water to achieve a juicy filling.

Step 5: Wrapping the cabbage rolls
Here comes the fun part! Take the cabbage or grape leaves and place a spoonful of filling on each leaf. Fold the edges of the leaf over the filling and roll it up gently. Place the cabbage rolls side by side in a large pot. Between them, add bay leaves and allspice berries to enhance the flavors.

Step 6: Cooking in the oven
Cover the cabbage rolls with large cabbage leaves and pour warm water mixed with a little salt, so that it is about a finger above the rolls. Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the oven at 200°C for 1 hour and 30 minutes. In the last 15 minutes, remove the lid to allow the rolls to brown slightly.

Serving and suggestions
After the cabbage rolls are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. They are delicious alongside creamy sour cream and a slice of fresh bread. Additionally, a glass of white wine or a plum brandy can perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional benefits
These cabbage rolls are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. The rice provides complex carbohydrates, the meat supplies essential proteins, and the vegetables bring necessary vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet. This recipe can be adapted to include plant-based ingredients for those who prefer a vegetarian diet.

Possible variations
If you want to experiment with this recipe, you can try adding chopped mushrooms or other vegetables to the filling. You can also replace the pork with beef or turkey, depending on personal preferences.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use long-grain rice?
It is recommended to use round rice as it absorbs flavors better and binds well in the filling.

2. What can I do with leftover cabbage rolls?
Cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop. They can also be frozen for later consumption.

3. Can I replace cabbage leaves with other leaves?
Yes, grape leaves or pickled cabbage leaves can be used as alternatives, each giving a distinct flavor to the rolls.

I hope this recipe for special cabbage rolls brings you joy and warmth in your soul, just as it has for me. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 300 g of round rice, 300 g of chicken breast (important), 300 g of pork belly (important), 2 onions, 2-3 carrots, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste or pepper paste, 150 g of white cabbage (for filling, not for wrapping the sarmale), 100 ml of oil, salt, black pepper for wrapping the sarmale: vine leaves, white cabbage leaves, a pinch of lemon salt, 3 bay leaves, fragrant peppercorns.

 Tags:  stuffed cabbage rolls rice chicken