Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a hearty and delicious dish that combines tender cabbage leaves with a savory filling of seasoned meat, rice, and vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or for special occasions, these cabbage rolls are easy to make and full of flavor!

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef or ground pork (or a mix of both)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for a sweet touch)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, to balance the flavor)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully remove the leaves, trying to keep them intact. Blanch the cabbage leaves in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender, then remove and set aside to cool. You may need to trim the thick veins of the cabbage leaves to make them easier to roll.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Stuff the Cabbage Leaves: Lay one cabbage leaf flat on a surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and then roll tightly from the base to the top, securing the filling inside.
4. Cook the Cabbage Rolls: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pan. Once the rolls are arranged, pour the tomato sauce over them. Add beef broth (or water) until the rolls are partially submerged, then cover the pan with a lid.
5. Simmer: Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the cabbage rolls cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the filling is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender. You may occasionally spoon the sauce over the rolls while they cook to ensure they stay moist.
6. Serve: Once cooked, remove the rolls from the pot and serve with a spoonful of the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories: ~350-400 kcal per serving (estimate)

History

Stuffed cabbage rolls, known by different names around the world (e.g., “sarma” in the Balkans and Turkey, “golubtsi” in Russia), have long been a staple in Eastern European and Mediterranean cuisine. The dish is believed to have originated as a way to preserve meat by wrapping it in cabbage leaves, and it has since become a beloved comfort food. Cabbage rolls are versatile and can be made with a variety of fillings, including meats, rice, grains, and even vegetables.

Benefits

• High in Protein: The ground meat in the filling provides a great source of protein, making this dish hearty and satisfying.
• Rich in Fiber: Cabbage is a good source of fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and overall health.
• Customizable: You can make these cabbage rolls vegetarian by using plant-based protein instead of meat, or you can add extra vegetables to the filling for added nutrition.

Conclusion

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful dish that is perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts. The combination of tender cabbage, savory meat filling, and rich tomato sauce makes this meal a crowd-pleaser every time. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy this classic dish in your own home!

Lovers of Comfort Food

If you love cozy, filling dishes with deep flavors, Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are for you! They make the perfect meal for chilly evenings and are sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. Try making them today, and experience the comfort of this beloved recipe from Eastern Europe!