Cabbage rolls are a hearty and comforting dish made by wrapping seasoned meat (usually a mixture of ground beef or pork) in softened cabbage leaves, then simmering them in a flavorful tomato sauce. Here’s a classic recipe for cabbage rolls:
Ingredients:
For the Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mixture of ground beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup cooked rice (about 1/4 cup uncooked rice)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the leaves from the cabbage, making sure to remove 12–15 large, whole leaves. If the leaves are too thick, you can cut out the tough vein from the center to make them easier to roll.
- Blanch the cabbage leaves by placing them in the boiling water for about 2 minutes, or until they’re softened and pliable. Remove and set them aside to cool. Save a few of the smaller inner leaves for the bottom of your cooking dish.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and thyme (or Italian seasoning). Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Place a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Put about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
- Fold the sides of the cabbage leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly, like a burrito. Repeat this process with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar (if using), lemon juice or vinegar, salt, pepper, and basil (if using).
5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, arrange the smaller cabbage leaves on the bottom to prevent the rolls from sticking.
- Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down into the pot, stacking them if necessary.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, making sure they’re well covered. If needed, add a bit of water to ensure they’re fully submerged.
- Bring the pot to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the filling is cooked through.
6. Serve:
- Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the pot and serve them with the tomato sauce spooned over the top.
Tips:
- Make ahead: You can prepare the cabbage rolls and sauce in advance, refrigerating them for a day or two before cooking, or even freeze them for later use.
- For a smokier flavor: Add a couple of smoked sausages or bacon to the sauce or even inside the rolls for a different twist.
- For vegetarian cabbage rolls: Replace the ground meat with a mixture of rice, beans, and vegetables like mushrooms or carrots.
Cabbage rolls are a great comfort food and a delicious meal for a crowd, with rich flavors from the tomato sauce and tender cabbage leaves. Enjoy!