Stuffed cabbage, a beloved dish across many cultures, is a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners. This practical recipe simplifies the process while maintaining the delicious flavors you love. With tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful mixture of minced meat, rice, and spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it with a dollop of yogurt or a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 large cabbage
- 500 g minced meat (beef, lamb, or a mix)
- 1 glass of rice (120 g)
- 1/2 bunch of parsley, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 5 g black pepper
- 7 g paprika
- 8 g salt
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (10 g)
- 80 ml olive oil
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste (10 g)
- 5 tablespoons sunflower oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Heat a large pot of water until it reaches a rolling boil.
- Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and gently separate the leaves.
- Blanch the cabbage leaves in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are soft and pliable. Remove the leaves with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, rice, chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, black pepper, paprika, salt, and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Add the olive oil to the mixture and mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Assemble the Stuffed Cabbage:
- Take one cabbage leaf at a time and place a small amount of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
- Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly, starting from the stem end.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 teaspoons of tomato paste with 5 tablespoons of sunflower oil and a little water to thin it out.
- Cook the Stuffed Cabbage:
- Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls tightly in a large pot, seam side down.
- Pour the tomato paste mixture over the cabbage rolls. Add enough water to the pot to almost cover the rolls.
- Place a plate on top of the rolls to keep them submerged during cooking, and cover the pot with a lid.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the cabbage and rice are tender.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, carefully remove the stuffed cabbage rolls from the pot and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Serve hot, with a drizzle of the cooking sauce over the top. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped parsley and a dollop of yogurt on the side.
Conclusion:
This practical stuffed cabbage recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic dish with a simplified process that makes it easy to prepare. The tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory meat and rice mixture are simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this stuffed cabbage is sure to impress with its delicious taste and comforting warmth. Enjoy this traditional favorite with your loved ones!