Baked stuffed cabbage rolls in a clay pot

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Clay Pot

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Total: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a dish that brings together tradition and moments of conviviality, symbolizing festive meals. Whether you prepare them for a family meal or a gathering with friends, these beautifully browned rolls in a clay pot will delight your senses and create unforgettable memories.

Ingredients

- 2 medium onions
- 1 large carrot
- 1 cup of white rice
- 1 kg minced pork (or a combination of pork and beef)
- A bunch of fresh dill
- 200 g smoked bacon
- Black peppercorns
- Bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pickled cabbage (or 2, depending on size)

Preparing the Clay Pot

1. Preparing the pot: If the clay pot hasn't been used for a long time, it's important to prepare it. Fill it with water, add peppercorns, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs. Place it in the oven at low heat for an hour or on a rack, so it’s not directly on the heat. This step will infuse the pot with flavors, ensuring the cabbage rolls will have a perfect taste.

2. Cleaning the pot: After boiling, wash the pot thoroughly with warm water to remove any unpleasant odors. If the pot has been used recently, soak it in cold water for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

3. Chopping the vegetables: Finely chop the two onions and grate the carrot. In a large skillet, add a little oil and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent. Then, add the grated carrot and let it soften together with the onion for 3-4 minutes.

4. Adding the rice: Rinse the rice in cold water and add it to the skillet. Pour in a little water (about 100 ml) and mix well. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for a few minutes, just enough to soften the rice. Finally, add the chopped dill and let it cool.

5. Preparing the meat: In a large bowl, place the minced pork. Add the vegetable and rice mixture, along with salt, pepper, and spices for the rolls. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until combined.

Assembling the Cabbage Rolls

6. Preparing the cabbage: Carefully separate the pickled cabbage and remove the hard core. Choose intact leaves suitable for wrapping the filling.

7. Forming the rolls: Take a cabbage leaf, place a tablespoon of filling at the lower edge of the leaf, and roll it tightly, tucking the sides in to seal the roll.

Layering in the Clay Pot

8. Creating layers: On the bottom of the clay pot, place a few cabbage leaves and pieces of smoked bacon. Add a first layer of rolls, sprinkle more smoked bacon, peppercorns, and bay leaves on top. Continue alternating layers of rolls with bacon and spices until all the filling is used.

9. Adding the sauce: Dissolve the tomato paste in warm water (about 300 ml) and pour the sauce over the rolls. Cover the pot with a lid.

Cooking the Cabbage Rolls

10. Baking: Place the pot with the rolls in the cold oven. Set the oven to 150°C and let the rolls cook for about 3 hours. In the last 30 minutes, remove the lid to brown them nicely.

Serving

The browned cabbage rolls in the clay pot are delicious served alongside warm polenta, sour cream, and hot peppers. You can also add a sweet wine for a perfect contrast.

Useful Tips

- Vegetarian option: You can replace the meat with a mix of mushrooms and vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Enhancing flavors: Add a few slices of smoked meat or a few cloves for an extra flavor boost.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of cabbage rolls contains about 300-350 calories. They are rich in protein from the meat and fiber from the cabbage, having a low-fat content if you use lean meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use fresh cabbage? Although pickled cabbage is traditional, you can use fresh cabbage, but you will need to blanch it before using.
- How can I store leftover rolls? The rolls store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze them for later consumption.
- What drinks pair well? A dry red wine or a pale lager are excellent choices to accompany the rolls.

Personal Detail: When I was a child, my grandmother used a clay pot inherited from the family, and the aroma of the cabbage rolls spread throughout the house, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This is why every bite of cabbage rolls reminds me of those beautiful moments spent with loved ones.

Try this recipe and turn every meal into a celebration! Enjoy your meal!