Cabbage rolls

Cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food made by stuffing tender cabbage leaves with a flavorful mixture of meat and rice, then baking them in a savory tomato sauce. They’re hearty and satisfying, perfect for a family meal or for making ahead and freezing. Here’s a detailed recipe for making delicious cabbage rolls:

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1/2 cup uncooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (or 2 cups homemade tomato sauce)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or vinegar for tanginess)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:

   • Boil the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the outer leaves are pliable. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly.
   • Separate the Leaves: Once cool enough to handle, gently peel off the outer leaves. You will need about 12-15 leaves. If some leaves are too small or torn, you can use them to line the bottom of your baking dish.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, dried thyme or oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:

   • Stuff the Leaves: Place a heaping tablespoon of the meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up the leaf tightly, securing the filling inside.
   • Place in Baking Dish: Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large baking dish. Tightly pack them together if necessary.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a medium bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar (if using), lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce (if using), dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
   • Pour the sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls.

5. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.

6. Serve:

   • Let the cabbage rolls cool slightly before serving. They can be served with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple salad.

Tips:

• Pre-cooked Rice: You can use leftover or pre-cooked rice to speed up the preparation process.
• Freezing: Cabbage rolls freeze well. Assemble and freeze them before baking, then bake from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process. You can also freeze cooked cabbage rolls for a convenient meal later.
• Variations: Add other ingredients to the filling such as mushrooms, carrots, or celery for extra flavor and texture. You can also use ground pork, lamb, or a combination of meats.

Enjoy your cabbage rolls—tender cabbage stuffed with a savory filling and baked in a rich tomato sauce!