Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Comforting Family Favorite

Dive into the heartwarming world of traditional cooking with Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, a dish that brings together tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of meat, rice, and herbs, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is a testament to the comfort and simplicity of home cooking, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures that have made it a beloved favorite in many cultures. Whether you’re looking to recreate a cherished family recipe or explore the delights of classic comfort food, these stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to impress. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to bring this comforting classic to your table.

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for added flavor)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup water or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

Preparing the Cabbage:

1. Blanch the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully place it in the boiling water. Boil for a few minutes, then peel off the softened leaves. Repeat until you have enough leaves for rolling. Cut out the thick vein from the bottom of each leaf to make rolling easier.

Making the Filling:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, cooked rice, beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and parsley until well combined.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce:

1. Simmer the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water or beef broth, sugar, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Assembling the Cabbage Rolls:

1. Fill and Roll: Take a cabbage leaf and place a portion of the meat mixture in the center. Fold in the sides and roll the leaf to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
2. Arrange in a Pot: Place a layer of torn cabbage leaves or leftover smaller leaves at the bottom of a large pot. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down in the pot. Pour the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are completely covered.
3. Cook: Bring the pot to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.

Serving:

Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, with the sauce spooned over the top. These rolls are a complete meal in themselves but can also be served with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a mix of lentils, mushrooms, and quinoa.
• Make-Ahead: These cabbage rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before cooking, allowing the flavors to meld together even more.
• Freezing: Stuffed cabbage rolls freeze well, either before or after cooking. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are more than just a meal; they’re a comforting embrace, a connection to tradition, and a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether served at a family dinner, a holiday table, or enjoyed as a cozy meal on a chilly evening, these rolls promise a satisfying and flavorful experience that’s sure to warm the heart.