Irresistible Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – A Family Favorite Recipe

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are like little parcels of joy wrapped in leafy goodness. Imagine biting into tender cabbage leaves enveloping a savory filling that bursts with flavors. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance.

Growing up, my family would gather around the dinner table, eagerly anticipating these delightful treats. We didn’t just eat; we celebrated! Stuffed Cabbage Rolls became our go-to dish for family gatherings and holidays, bringing everyone together with their warmth and comfort.

I remember the first time I made these for my friends; they devoured them within minutes and begged for the recipe!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green Cabbage: Choose a firm, fresh head of cabbage; it should feel heavy and have crisp leaves for perfect rolling.
• Ground Meat: I prefer a mix of beef and pork for rich flavor but feel free to use turkey or chicken if you’re feeling lighter.
• Rice: Use uncooked long-grain rice; it absorbs flavors during cooking and adds texture to the filling.
• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness when sautéed; look for firm ones without blemishes.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic kick; avoid pre-minced options for best flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for a personal touch; it adds moisture and depth to the dish.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh parsley, dill, salt, and pepper elevate the filling’s flavor profile—don’t skimp on these!
• Lemon Juice: A splash adds brightness to balance the richness of the meat filling.

For the Sauce:

• Canned Tomatoes: Opt for whole peeled tomatoes; they break down beautifully when cooked down in your sauce.
• Sugar: A pinch helps balance acidity in the sauce; it’s a secret ingredient most people overlook!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Prepare Your Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Carefully remove outer leaves from the cabbage head and blanch them in boiling water until tender but still firm, about 2-3 minutes.

Make Your Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant. Combine them with ground meat, uncooked rice, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl.

Assemble Your Rolls: Lay a blanched cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling at the base of each leaf. Fold sides over filling and roll tightly from bottom to top.

Prepare Your Sauce Base: In a large pot or baking dish, spread some tomato sauce evenly on the bottom. This prevents sticking and keeps rolls moist during cooking.

Add the Rolls to Sauce: Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot over the sauce. Pour remaining tomato sauce generously over rolls, ensuring they’re well coated.

Bake to Perfection!: Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour. Remove cover during the last 15 minutes for bubbling perfection.

Now you have delicious Stuffed Cabbage Rolls ready to impress your family or friends! Enjoy every bite as you relish their comforting flavors wrapped in nostalgia.

Content: Use fresh cabbage for a crisp texture and vibrant flavor. Overcooked cabbage can become mushy, ruining the dish. I learned this when my first batch resembled soggy pillows instead of delightful rolls.

The right seasoning enhances flavor; mix spices in your meat filling. A pinch of cumin or paprika can elevate these rolls. My friend swears by adding a dash of hot sauce for a kick.

Allow the rolls to rest after cooking to absorb flavors. This tip transformed my cabbage rolls from bland to fabulous. Friends often comment they taste even better the next day.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfectly cooked stuffed cabbage rolls, start by blanching the cabbage leaves for easy rolling. While they cool, prepare the filling mixture and simmer your sauce to infuse flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your stuffed cabbage rolls with different meats, grains, or spices. Swap rice for quinoa or add veggies like mushrooms for extra nutrition and taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover stuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat them in a covered dish at 350°F until warmed through for best results.

Sharing my first attempt at stuffed cabbage rolls was hilarious—my friends couldn’t stop laughing at my rolling technique! But with practice, those giggles turned into compliments, making it all worthwhile.

FAQ

What is the best type of cabbage for stuffed cabbage rolls?

Savoy cabbage works great due to its tender leaves, making rolling easier.

Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?

Yes! Freeze them before cooking for a quick meal later on.

How long do stuffed cabbage rolls take to cook?

Typically, they need about 1 hour in a covered pot on low heat.

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a heartwarming dish, featuring tender cabbage leaves enveloping a savory blend of meats and rice. This comforting family favorite is perfect for gatherings and special occasions, offering a delightful culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. With vibrant flavors and an easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to create these delicious rolls that are sure to impress.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Traditional

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare cabbage by boiling a large pot of salted water. Blanch outer leaves for 2-3 minutes until tender.
2. In a skillet, sauté diced onions over medium heat until translucent. Combine with ground beef, pork, uncooked rice, garlic, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Lay a blanched leaf flat; add 2 tablespoons of filling at the base. Fold sides over filling and roll tightly.
4. Spread some tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in sauce and pour remaining sauce over them.
5. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour; uncover during the last 15 minutes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 stuffed cabbage rolls (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Use Savoy cabbage for easier rolling due to its tender leaves. For added nutrition, consider adding vegetables like mushrooms or swapping rice for quinoa. Store leftovers in an airtight container; they can last up to five days in the fridge.