Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Cream Sauce

Cabbage rolls in a rich tomato cream sauce is a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for a gathering or a hearty family meal. This recipe merges the wholesomeness of cabbage with a savory filling of minced pork, onions, garlic, and rice, seasoned delicately with salt and pepper. The rolls are initially boiled to soften the cabbage leaves, allowing them to wrap snugly around the filling. Once stuffed, these rolls are seared for added flavor, then covered in a creamy tomato sauce enriched with herbs. The dish is finished in the oven, ensuring every roll is tender and infused with the sauce’s flavors. The combination of earthy, hearty meat with a sweet and tart tomato sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile. The use of cream adds a velvety texture, enhancing the overall culinary experience. This dish is ideal for any occasion, offering both comfort and elegance on the plate.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 medium-sized cabbage
700 g minced pork
200 g rice
2 onions
5 garlic cloves
200 ml sweet cream
250 ml tomato garlic sauce

Spices

1 pinch of herbs
1 pinch of pepper
1 pinch of salt

Preparation Time

Total: 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Begin by removing the core of the cabbage. Place it in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Allow it to boil for 10 minutes, or until the leaves begin to change color to a slight yellow tint. Once done, remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool.
While the cabbage cools, cook the rice according to package instructions, then set aside to cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced pork, finely chopped onions and garlic, cooked rice, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Carefully peel the cabbage leaves from the head, starting from the outer leaves. The first few leaves might break, but the ones inside should be intact and ideal for stuffing.
Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center. Roll the leaf around the filling, tucking in the sides to secure it. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
In a frying pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Brown the cabbage rolls on all sides, adding a richer flavor to the rolls.
Transfer the browned rolls to a baking dish and preheat your oven to 170 degrees Celsius.
To prepare the sauce, in a separate pan, combine the tomato garlic sauce and sweet cream. Add salt, a pinch of the pepper mix, parsley, and dill, then simmer gently to blend the flavors.
Pour the prepared tomato cream sauce over the cabbage rolls in the baking dish.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, turning the rolls halfway through to ensure even browning on both sides.
Once done, let the cabbage rolls sit for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

To make the cabbage leaves easier to work with, you can freeze the whole cabbage overnight, then thaw it before use.
Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the dish.
For a spicier sauce, add a dash of chili flakes to the tomato cream mixture.

Nutritions

Calories: 450 kcal per serving | Protein: 25g | Fats: 25g | Carbs: 35g

Variations

For a vegetarian alternative, replace minced pork with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and lentils. This provides hearty texture and depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these stuffed cabbage rolls with crusty bread or a light side salad for a complete meal. A glass of crisp white wine complements the dish beautifully.

Best Places

Cabbage Delight Bistro - Enjoy a modern twist on traditional cabbage rolls. Location: 123 Flavor St, Berlin, Germany.
Gourmet Cabbage Co. - Renowned for their exquisite cabbage creations. Location: 456 Dish Ave, New York, USA.
Rolled Up Heaven - Wildly creative cabbage roll dishes are served here. Location: 789 Leaf Blvd, Tokyo, Japan.
The Cabbage Patch - Known for their rich and flavorful cabbage dishes. Location: 321 Vine Rd, Moscow, Russia.
Cabbage Kings - A destination for cabbage enthusiasts. Location: 654 Green Lane, Sydney, Australia.
Stuff & Roll - Unique, stuffed culinary delights. Location: 987 Cuisine Dr, Toronto, Canada.
Cabbage Artisan - Specializes in traditional and innovative cabbage rolls. Location: 102 Season St, Paris, France.
Family Cabbage Kitchen - Delicious homemade-style cabbage dishes. Location: 345 Station Rd, London, UK.
Roll Master’s Den - A fusion of textures and flavors in every roll. Location: 432 Tasty Ave, Bangkok, Thailand.
Cabbage Creatives - Contemporary and classic cabbage preparations. Location: 567 Herb Ct, Cape Town, South Africa.