Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Comfort
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food dish.They feature cabbage leaves filled with rice and meat.Cooked slowly in a rich tomato-based sauce.Popular across many global cuisines.Perfect for family meals and celebrations.Hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 1 large cabbage (leaves separated)
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 300 g ground meat (beef or pork)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 carrot (grated)
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme or oregano)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup water or broth
Instructions
- Prepare cabbage leaves: Boil the cabbage in salted water until leaves soften. Carefully separate and set aside.
- Cook rice: Partially cook rice until slightly tender; drain.
- Prepare filling: Heat oil, sauté onion, garlic, and carrot until soft.
- Mix filling: Combine sautéed vegetables with rice, ground meat, paprika, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble rolls: Place filling on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly, folding sides inward.
- Prepare sauce: Mix tomato sauce, paste, sugar, salt, and water.
- Cook rolls: Arrange in a pot, pour sauce over, cover, and simmer for 60–75 minutes.
- Serve: Let rest slightly before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh, large cabbage leaves for best results.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- Brown rice can be used for a healthier option.
- Add herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
- Rolls can be made ahead of time.
- Freeze leftovers for later use.
- Sauce can be adjusted to taste.
- Best served hot.