Cabbage rolls

Cabbage rolls are a comforting, hearty dish often made with a filling of seasoned meat and rice, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, and baked in a tomato-based sauce. Here's a recipe for traditional cabbage rolls:

Ingredients:

For the cabbage rolls:

• 1 large green cabbage (about 12-14 leaves)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• ½ cup uncooked rice (or 1 cup cooked)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the sauce:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the cabbage

1. Boil the cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and peel off about 12-14 large leaves.
2. Blanch the leaves: Place the cabbage leaves in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they become pliable. Drain and set them aside on a clean kitchen towel to cool.

Step 2: Make the filling

1. Cook the rice: If you haven't cooked the rice, cook ½ cup rice according to package instructions (you can also use leftover rice).
2. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, paprika, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the sauce

1. Cook the sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 4: Assemble the cabbage rolls

1. Fill the cabbage leaves: Take one cabbage leaf and place 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture at the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll the leaf tightly, like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
2. Layer the rolls in the dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour a small amount of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, tightly packed in a single layer.
3. Top with sauce: Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well-covered.

Step 5: Bake the cabbage rolls

1. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
2. Rest and serve: Let the cabbage rolls rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serving suggestions:

Serve the cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream and some crusty bread on the side. This dish is even better the next day, as the flavors develop more overnight!