Country Cabbage Rolls Straight from a Mennonite Kitchen

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place it in the boiling water.
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the outer leaves are soft and pliable.
• Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool. Gently peel off the leaves.

2. Make the Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
• Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:

• Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface and add a generous spoonful of the filling in the center.
• Roll the cabbage leaf tightly, folding in the sides as you go.
• Repeat until all filling is used.

4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

• In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer while you prepare the cabbage rolls.

5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Pour a small amount of the tomato sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
• Arrange the cabbage rolls in the dish and pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.

6. Serve:

• Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the baking dish and place them on a serving platter.
• Spoon some of the tomato sauce over the top.
• Serve hot, and enjoy these delicious Country Cabbage Rolls straight from a Mennonite kitchen!

Tip: These cabbage rolls can be refrigerated and reheated, making them a great make-ahead meal for busy days.