Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Cabbage Leaves:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
   • Gently core the cabbage and immerse it, core-side down, into the boiling water.
   • Allow the leaves to soften, carefully peeling them off one by one. Set aside.
2. Preparing the filling:
   • Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan.
   • Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
   • Incorporate the ground meat and cook until browned.
   • Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Stir in the cooked rice and chopped parsley.
   • Let the filling cool slightly before adding the egg. Mix thoroughly.
3. Rolling Magic:
   • Take a cabbage leaf and trim the tough center stem.
   • Place a generous scoop of the filling in the leaf’s center.
   • Fold in the sides and roll it into a neat bundle.
   • Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Crafting the Tomato Blanket:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • For the tomato sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan.
   • Pour in the tomato puree, sugar, salt, and pepper.
   • Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
5. Embrace and Bake:
   • Lay a bed of extra cabbage leaves or sliced onions in a baking dish.
   • Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls atop this bed.
   • Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls, covering them like a cozy blanket.
6. Oven’s Warm Embrace:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
   • Slide it into the preheated oven.
   • Let the rolls bake for 40–45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Conclusion

You’ll realize the wait was worthwhile when the smell of freshly baked, filled cabbage rolls fills your home and the rolls bake to perfection. The cabbage leaves become soft and supple, supporting the hearty and flavorful interior. The mild sharpness of the cabbage, the richness of the pork, and the comforting softness of the rice all come together to create a genuinely amazing harmony with every bite.