| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Cabbage Leaves | 12 large leaves |
| Ground Beef or Pork | 1 pound |
| Cooked White Rice | 1 cup |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Fresh Parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Tomato Sauce | 2 cups |
| Crushed Tomatoes | 1 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s proceed with the step-by-step instructions to create these delicious Stuffed Cabbage Rolls!
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves and blanch them in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes or until they are slightly softened. Remove the leaves and set them aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or pork, cooked white rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, chopped fresh parsley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Stuff the Cabbage Leaves: Take a cabbage leaf and place a portion of the filling mixture in the center. Roll the leaf, tucking in the sides, to form a neat roll. Repeat this process with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Heat the sauce over medium heat until it simmers.
- Cook the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large, deep skillet or pot. Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls, covering them entirely.
- Simmer the rolls in the tomato sauce over low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage leaves are tender and the filling is fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are cooked, carefully remove them from the pot and arrange them on a serving platter. Spoon some of the tomato sauce over the rolls for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the heartiness of this comforting dish!
Serving and Storing
Your Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are now ready to be served! This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect on its own, or you can pair it with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
