Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce

Cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and ground meat, simmered in tomato sauce.

Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce:

Comforting and hearty dish made with tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This classic dish is enjoyed worldwide, with variations in Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines. It’s nutritious, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep!

Ingredients:

1- For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• ½ lb (225g) ground beef (or ground turkey/lamb)
• ½ cup cooked rice
• ½ small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

2- For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ cup water or broth
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
   • Carefully remove 10-12 whole cabbage leaves and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until soft.
   • Drain and set aside to cool.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a bowl, mix ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and egg.
3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
   • Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place 2 tbsp of the filling in the center.
   • Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly, like a burrito.
   • Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
   • Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
   • Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, smoked paprika, water/broth, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
   • Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large pot or deep pan.
   • Pour tomato sauce over the rolls, cover, and simmer on low heat for 40-45 minutes until cooked through.
6. Serve:
   • Enjoy warm with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream (optional).

A delicious, comforting dish perfect for any occasion!

Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls:

• Choose the Right Cabbage – Green cabbage works best, but Savoy cabbage is also a great option for softer leaves.
• Blanch the Leaves – Boil cabbage leaves for a few minutes to soften them, making them easier to roll.
• Use Cooked Rice – Pre-cooked or partially cooked rice ensures a tender and well-cooked filling.
• Balance the Flavors – Adding garlic, onions, paprika, and fresh herbs enhances the filling.
• Slow Simmer for Best Flavor – Cooking the rolls in tomato sauce for at least an hour allows all the flavors to blend beautifully.
• Make Ahead Friendly – Cabbage rolls taste even better the next day, making them ideal for meal prep and leftovers!

Enjoy your meal!