Savory Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls, a comforting and flavorful dish, combines the hearty textures of cabbage and a delicious meaty filling. The preparation begins by softening cabbage leaves, a crucial step that ensures they wrap perfectly around the stuffing. The stuffing mixture, made from ground meat, rice, and aromatic onions, is seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of tomato paste for a rich taste. These rolls are then pan-seared until golden and finished by simmering in a savory broth. The addition of bay leaves elevates the aromatic profile of the dish, enhancing its overall depth. This nutritious meal is relatively easy to prepare and makes for a great family dinner. It's a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a well-balanced meal. Ideal for both special occasions and weeknight dinners, stuffed cabbage rolls can be adjusted to cater to various palates. The simplicity of the dish is complemented by its robust flavors, making it satisfying and delightful. The rolls are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to incorporate vegetables into your diet.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 head of cabbage
• 500 g ground meat
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 80 g rice, cooked

Spices

• Salt
• Pepper
• Bay leaves

Sauces and Others

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• A pinch of flour

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by separating the leaves from the head of cabbage. This step is easier if you cut around the core of the cabbage first.
2. Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling salted water until soft. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once softened, place the leaves in cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
4. In a bowl, combine the ground meat with finely chopped onions. Mix in the cooked rice.
5. Season the meat mixture generously with salt and pepper for optimal flavor.
6. Take a leaf of cabbage and remove any thick veins by shaving them down with a knife, ensuring the leaf is pliable.
7. Spoon a portion of the meat mixture onto the cabbage leaf, fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly.
8. Dredge each roll lightly in flour which helps to create a nice crust when pan-frying.
9. Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the rolls seam-side down and cook until browned on all sides.
10. Once all the rolls are seared, arrange them in a pot.
11. Pour a small amount of hot water or broth over the cabbage rolls, just enough to cover them halfway.
12. Add tomato paste to the liquid, stirring gently to dissolve it.
13. Add bay leaves for an aromatic touch, along with a pinch more salt and pepper to taste.
14. Cover the pot and simmer the rolls on low heat for about 25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
15. The rolls are ready once the meat is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.
16. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary.
17. Remove the rolls from the pot, discard the bay leaves.
18. Plate the rolls and spoon over some of the cooking liquid as a sauce.
19. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an added fresh touch.
20. Serve warm and enjoy a hearty dish that comforts and satisfies.

Tips

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with mushrooms or lentils.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
• For extra tang, add a splash of vinegar to the cooking sauce.

Nutritions

• Calories: 350 per serving
• Protein: 15g
• Fats: 20g
• Carbs: 30g

Variations

• Use quinoa or bulgur instead of rice for a different texture.
• Swap out tomato paste for sour cream for a creamier variant.
• Adjust spices by adding red pepper flakes for heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• A side of mashed potatoes pairs wonderfully for a hearty meal.
• Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Best Places

• Granny's Kitchen - Serving authentic stuffed cabbage rolls with a family recipe passed down over generations. Location: 123 Main Street, Krakow, Poland.
• Bistro Budapest - Known for a twist on traditional rolls with unique spices. Location: 45 Andrassy Avenue, Budapest, Hungary.
• The Little Cabbage - Famous for their vegan cabbage rolls. Location: 89 Green Lane, Berlin, Germany.
• Cabbage Café - Offers a fusion of flavors with international influences in their rolls. Location: 12 Soho Square, London, UK.
• Der Wiener Schnitzel - Traditional dishes with authentic Austrian flavors. Location: 56 Ringstrasse, Vienna, Austria.
• Old World Eats - Features diverse European dishes in a homey setting. Location: 234 Fifth Avenue, New York, USA.
• Maison du Chou - Combines French flair with classic cabbage rolls. Location: 78 Rue de la Petite, Paris, France.
• La Cosa Nostra - Traditional Italian dishes with a unique take on stuffed cabbage. Location: 66 Via Roma, Rome, Italy.
• The Baltic House - Specializes in Eastern European cuisines with rich flavors. Location: 100 Baltic Way, Helsinki, Finland.
• Little Eastern Café - Offers a variety of Eastern European specialties. Location: 120 Sunset Road, Sydney, Australia.