Stuffed cabbage rolls with pork

Stuffed cabbage rolls with pork and sour cabbage - a traditional recipe, soaked in flavors and traditions, that brings a touch of warmth to every meal. This dish is a symbol of conviviality, often associated with moments spent with loved ones. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve delicious stuffed cabbage rolls, full of flavor, that will delight any palate.

Total preparation time: 4 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3 hours
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients you will need:

- 800 g pork (boneless, preferably a mix of shoulder and leg)
- 4-5 kg sour cabbage (choose a larger cabbage with whole leaves)
- 4 large onions
- 100 g tomato paste
- 1.5 l water
- 2 g paprika (sweet or hot, depending on preference)
- 250 g pork lard or oil (lard will give a more authentic taste)
- 100 g rice
- 5 g black peppercorns
- 20 g iodized salt
- 20 g sugar
- 2-3 bay leaves

Preparation of the stuffed cabbage rolls:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion. This will add sweetness and flavor to the dish. Then, pass the pork through a meat grinder along with the onion to achieve a homogeneous mixture.

2. The filling mixture: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the onion, washed rice, paprika, half of the crushed pepper, thyme (if you want a more intense flavor), and salt. Mix well so that all ingredients blend perfectly. It is essential that the filling is well seasoned to give flavor to the cabbage rolls.

3. Preparing the cabbage leaves: Choose the largest and whole leaves of sour cabbage. If you have smaller or broken leaves, you can use them to line the pot. Cut the cabbage leaves into suitable pieces so that they are easy to fill.

4. Forming the cabbage rolls: Take a cabbage leaf, place a tablespoon of filling in the middle, and wrap it into a roll, making sure to fold the edges to prevent the filling from leaking. Repeat the process until you finish all the meat mixture.

5. Arranging the cabbage rolls in the pot: On the bottom of a large pot, place the remaining finely chopped cabbage. Arrange the cabbage rolls around the edge of the pot, then add the smoked bacon cut into pieces. This will add a smoky and savory flavor.

6. Adding the final ingredients: Over the cabbage rolls, add the tomato paste, the remaining pepper, the sugar (which will balance the acidity of the cabbage), and the bay leaves. Pour water until the cabbage rolls are completely covered.

7. Cooking the cabbage rolls: Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 3 hours. Stir occasionally and check the water level, adding more water if necessary. This step is essential to allow the flavors to develop and combine.

8. Finishing in the oven: After the cabbage rolls are cooked, transfer the pot to a preheated oven at 180°C. Let them brown for 30-40 minutes until they become golden and appetizing.

Practical tips:

- Choosing the meat: It is important to use pork with a higher fat content, as this will add juiciness and flavor to the filling.
- Sour cabbage: If the cabbage is too salty, you can rinse it with cold water before use. Also, make sure to use whole and healthy leaves to facilitate the formation of the rolls.
- Variations: You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as mushrooms or grated carrots, to add texture and flavor.
- Serving: The cabbage rolls can be served with sour cream and polenta, and a salad of red beet or pickles can add a pleasant contrast.

Nutritional benefits:

Cabbage rolls are a good source of protein due to the pork, and the rice adds complex carbohydrates. Sour cabbage is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and probiotics, being beneficial for digestion.

Calories: A serving of cabbage rolls (2-3 rolls) contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the amount of meat and fat used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use chicken or turkey? Yes, you can use chicken or turkey for a lighter version, but the cabbage rolls will have a different taste.
2. How do I store the cabbage rolls? The cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Tasty the next day, they can be reheated on the stove or in the oven.
3. Can the cabbage rolls be frozen? Absolutely! Cabbage rolls can be successfully frozen, making them ideal for a quick dinner. It is recommended to freeze them before cooking.

Stuffed cabbage rolls with pork and sour cabbage are more than just a dish; they are a family story, a symbol of tradition and love. So, get ready to enjoy a delicious meal full of memories and flavors. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 800 grams of boneless pork, 4-5 kg of sauerkraut, 4 onions, 100 grams of tomato paste, 1.5 liters of water, 2 grams of sweet or hot paprika, 250 grams of lard or oil, 100 grams of rice, 5 grams of black peppercorns, 20 grams of iodized salt, 20 grams of sugar, 2-3 bay leaves.