Turkey meat rolls in a nest of sweet cabbage

Turkey Cabbage Rolls in Sweet Cabbage Nest

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing turkey cabbage rolls in a sweet cabbage nest, a dish that combines the savory flavor of turkey meat with the sweetness of cabbage and the enticing aromas of spices. This dish is not only delicious but also a healthier and more easily digestible option than traditional pork rolls.

Brief History of the Recipe

Cabbage rolls are a traditional dish found in many culinary cultures, with deep historical roots. Over time, they have evolved, and each region has added its personal touch, adapting ingredients and cooking techniques. In this recipe, we focus on turkey meat and sweet cabbage, offering a healthy and tasty alternative.

Ingredients

- 1 sweet cabbage (2-2.5 kg)
- 400 g ground turkey
- 100 g smoked sausage
- 2 onions
- 50 g rice
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 small red pepper
- 50 ml tomato and pepper ketchup
- 300 ml broth
- 1 bunch of dill
- Salt, pepper, paprika, spices for cabbage rolls
- 3-4 teaspoons flour
- 50 ml oil

Preparing the Cabbage Rolls

1. Preparing the Cabbage: Start by boiling water in a large pot. When the water is boiling, add the whole cabbage. Gently rotate it in the water for 3-4 minutes. This procedure will make the leaves easier to detach. Use two forks to remove the cabbage from the water and place it in a bowl.

2. Separating the Leaves: Once it has cooled slightly, carefully peel the cabbage leaves apart, like a flower. In the middle, cut the lower core, leaving only the higher edges. Use a knife to hollow out the nest, creating a generous space for the rolls.

3. Preparing the Filling: In a pan, heat the oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until golden. Add the ketchup, chopped red pepper, and a little water. Let it simmer until the ingredients soften. Then, add the chopped herbs and rice, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. Cook the mixture until the liquid nearly evaporates.

4. Mixing with the Meat: Transfer the filling to a large bowl, add the ground turkey, and more chopped herbs. Mix the ingredients well until completely combined.

5. Assembling the Rolls: In a large pot, place a layer of tomato slices on the bottom, followed by the cabbage nest. Start wrapping the rolls, placing them as tightly as possible in the nest. Arrange the remaining rolls radially around the nest.

6. Adding Ingredients: On top of the rolls, add the chopped cabbage, sliced sausage, tomato slices, herbs, and 300 ml of broth, just enough to cover them slightly. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160°C. Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for about an hour, until the rolls are nicely browned.

8. Preparing the Sauce: In the last 10 minutes of baking, prepare a sauce from the flour mixed with 100 ml of broth, chopped dill, and spices. Pour the sauce over the rolls and let them bake for another 10 minutes.

9. Serving: When the rolls are ready, carefully remove them to a platter. Use two spatulas or large spoons to lift the entire nest. Arrange the rolls around the nest, add the sauce on top, the browned sausage slices, and garnish with a little sour cream and fresh herbs. Why not add a spicy pepper for an extra kick!

Practical Tips

- Care for Ingredients: Choose a fresh sweet cabbage, free of spots or damage. This will add a pleasant taste to the rolls. Smoked sausages add extra flavor, but you can experiment with different types of meat or sausages, depending on your preferences.

- Veggie Option: For a vegetarian version, you can use chopped mushrooms, rice, and vegetables as filling. The taste will be different, but just as delicious!

- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of meat? Of course! You can use pork or beef for a more traditional taste.
- How can I store the rolls? The rolls can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for later use.
- What side dishes go well? A fresh salad or polenta are excellent accompaniments for your rolls.

Nutritional Information

These rolls are not only tasty but also healthy. Turkey meat is rich in protein and low in fat, while sweet cabbage provides an important supply of vitamins and minerals. Each serving of rolls contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Serving and Pairing

These rolls are perfect to be served with fermented milk sour cream and a good glass of dry white or red wine, which will complement the flavors of the dish. You can also add a slice of homemade bread to savor the delicious sauce.

So, dear cooking enthusiasts, now you have all the necessary information to prepare these delicious rolls. Experiment, customize the recipe, and don’t hesitate to share with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 sweet cabbage of 2-2.5 kg, 400 g ground turkey, 100 g smoked sausage, 2 onions, 50 g rice, 2 tomatoes, 1 small red pepper, 50 ml tomato and pepper ketchup, 300 ml broth, 1 bunch of dill, salt, pepper, paprika, spices for stuffed cabbage, 3-4 teaspoons of flour, 50 ml oil.