Cabbage Rolls 

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage (or 2 medium heads)
• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or dried basil (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce or 3 cups homemade tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions:

Preparing the Cabbage:

1. Blanch the Cabbage:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
   • Carefully remove the core of the cabbage using a knife.
   • Place the cabbage head into the boiling water. You may need to do this in batches if using two heads. Boil for 3-5 minutes or until the outer leaves are pliable.
   • Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly. Carefully peel off the leaves, trying to keep them intact. Set aside.

Making the Filling:

2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and dried thyme or basil if using. Mix until well combined.

Assembling the Rolls:

3. Fill the Cabbage Leaves:
   • Place a generous tablespoon of the meat mixture onto the center of each cabbage leaf.
   • Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll up from the bottom to enclose the filling. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

Preparing the Sauce:

4. Make the Tomato Sauce:
   • In a large bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar (if using), oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Baking:

5. Assemble and Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large baking dish, spread a small amount of tomato sauce on the bottom.
   • Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.
   • Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls.
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
6. Cook the Rolls:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
   • If using cheese, uncover the dish in the last 15 minutes of baking and sprinkle shredded cheese on top, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving:

7. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let the cabbage rolls cool slightly before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your homemade cabbage rolls! They make a great meal on their own or can be served with a side of crusty bread or a salad.

Free Keto Meal Plan : KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS STEP BY STEP GUIDE