Stuffed cabbage rolls for Christmas 2015

Stuffed cabbage rolls with pork and green onions - a Christmas recipe that combines tradition with a personal and unique touch! This sweet and spicy recipe, with a rich taste and inviting aroma, will surely bring joy to the heart and tables of your family. I invite you to explore step by step how to prepare the most delicious stuffed cabbage rolls, perfect for holidays or any other special occasion.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

- 1.6 kg ground pork - choose lean meat for a balanced taste.
- Leaves from 6 bunches of green onions - adds a fresh and crunchy note.
- 5 small white onions - for a mild and aromatic flavor.
- Cabbage leaves - 70 pieces - ideally, use pickled cabbage, but you can also use fresh cabbage that you can blanch.
- Chopped cabbage, about 1 kg - to add consistency and flavor to the rolls.
- 200 g rice - thickens the filling and gives it a pleasant texture.
- Salt and pepper, to taste - essential spices for any dish.
- Smoked meat - a few pieces, for an intense and savory flavor.
- 1 bottle of 750 ml with a mix of tomatoes and red bell pepper - for a note of acidity and a rich taste.

For the crust:
- Flour and water - to create a delicious lid that will keep all the moisture and flavors in the pot.

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the cabbage leaves well. If using fresh cabbage, blanch them in salted water for 5 minutes. Chop the remaining cabbage and set it aside.

2. Preparing the filling: In a large skillet, add a little oil and sauté the chopped white and green onions. Fry them for about 15 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Then, add the rice and mix well, letting everything heat and combine.

3. Mixing the meat: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the onion and rice mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure everything is well homogenized.

4. Forming the rolls: Take a cabbage leaf, place a tablespoon of filling in the middle, and fold the roll, ensuring it is well sealed. Continue until you have used all the filling. You should end up with about 70 medium-sized rolls.

5. Assembling in the pot: In a large pot, place a layer of chopped cabbage on the bottom, followed by a layer of rolls, then a layer of finely chopped smoked meat. Continue alternating layers of cabbage, rolls, and smoked meat. Finally, cover everything with chopped cabbage.

6. Preparing the lid: To create a lid from flour and water, mix the ingredients until you obtain an elastic dough. Roll out the dough thinly and place it over the rolls, poking it here and there to allow steam to escape.

7. Cooking the rolls: Place the pot in a preheated oven at 180°C (medium heat) and let it simmer for about 4 hours. Check periodically to ensure there is water in the tray in the oven, so the rolls do not dry out.

Tips and tricks

- Choose the cabbage carefully: Pickled cabbage should be crunchy but not too salty. If necessary, rinse it before use.
- The filling: You can also add other ingredients, such as chopped mushrooms or grated carrots, to diversify the flavor.
- Holidays: Stuffed cabbage rolls are a true symbol of the holidays. If you have guests, don't hesitate to share them with them. They will surely appreciate the effort and tradition behind this dish.

Possible variations

- Vegan rolls: Replace the meat with a mixture of vegetables and chopped mushrooms, plus rice.
- Fish rolls: Use chopped fish and add herbs for a unique variation.

Nutritional benefits

Stuffed cabbage rolls are an excellent source of protein due to the pork, while the rice adds essential carbohydrates for energy. Onions provide antioxidants, and cabbage is rich in vitamins and minerals, contributing to digestive health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another meat?
Yes, you can use beef or turkey for a lighter version.

2. How can I store the rolls?
Stuffed cabbage rolls can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for later consumption.

3. What can I serve with the rolls?
They are often served with sour cream and polenta, but also with a glass of red wine.

With this stuffed cabbage roll recipe, you will enjoy a delicious dish that will bring a touch of tradition and joy to every meal. Whether you prepare them for Christmas or for a special occasion, stuffed cabbage rolls will surely be a hit. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1,600 kg minced pork leaves from 6 bunches of green onions 5 small white onions cabbage leaves - 70 pcs chopped cabbage approx. 1 kg 200 g rice salt pepper smoked meat 1 bottle of 750 ml with a mixture of tomatoes and red bell pepper For the crust flour + water

 Tags:  stuffed cabbage rolls