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Country Cabbage Rolls

Country Cabbage Rolls
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Country Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat, cooked rice, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Simmered gently in a flavorful tomato sauce, this traditional recipe brings warmth and nostalgia to your table, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 large green cabbage (fresh, firm leaves)
  • 1 lb ground meat (beef or pork)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and carefully remove cabbage leaves one at a time as they soften. Blanch them until pliable without tearing to make rolling easier.
  2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
  3. Roll the Cabbage Rolls: Lay each softened cabbage leaf flat. Place a spoonful of filling near the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly to enclose the filling completely.
  4. Cook the Rolls: Arrange the rolls seam side down in a deep skillet or casserole dish. Pour tomato sauce evenly over the rolls, cover with a lid, and simmer gently on low heat for about 45 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
  5. Serve Warm: Let the rolls rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and for easier handling before plating.

Notes

  • Choose fresh green cabbage with firm, tight leaves for best rolling texture.
  • Don’t overfill the cabbage leaves to prevent bursting during cooking.
  • Use a sharp knife to trim thick ribs on cabbage leaves for easier folding.
  • Simmer on low heat to keep cabbage tender and prevent drying out the filling.
  • Try adding a layer of sauerkraut under the rolls in the pan to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage rolls, comfort food, traditional recipe, ground meat, tomato sauce, family dinner, hearty meal, gluten free

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/country-cabbage-rolls/