Ingredients for the Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe
For about 6 servings (12–14 rolls), here’s what you’ll need:
For the cabbage rolls
1 large green cabbage (approx. 2–3 kg)
500g minced beef (or a beef/pork mix)
1 cup cooked rice (long or medium-length rice preferred)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
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For the tomato sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (800 g) of crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 tsp sugar (to balance the acidity)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf
Necessary Kitchen Utensils
A large pot (for blanching the cabbage)
A large salad bowl
A cutting board and a sharp knife
A skimmer
A large skillet or saucepan (for the sauce)
Measuring cups and spoons
A gratin dish or casserole dish (for oven cooking)
Aluminum foil or a lid
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Remove the core of the cabbage with a sharp knife.
Place the whole cabbage in boiling water and cook for 3–5 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, gently remove the softened leaves one by one.
Set aside 12–14 large, intact leaves. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Remove the large rib at the base of each leaf to make rolling easier.
Tip: If the cabbage remains too firm, immerse it in boiling water for a few minutes and remove other leaves.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper.
Mix gently by hand or with a spoon until smooth (avoid overworking the stuffing to prevent it from becoming compact).
Step 3: Roll the Cabbage Leaves
Spread a cabbage leaf on a board, rib down.
Place 2–3 tablespoons of stuffing near the base of the leaf.
Fold the sides over the stuffing, then roll tightly like a burrito.
Repeat the operation until you have used up all the stuffing and leaves.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, stock, sugar, paprika, salt, pepper and bay leaf.
Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 5: Cooking the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Oven Method (Recommended)
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Pour a thin layer of sauce into the bottom of a gratin dish or casserole dish.
Arrange the rolls, fold down.
Pour the remaining sauce over the top.
Cover with aluminum foil or a lid and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, until tender.
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