Stuffed Cabbage rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls, also known as “cabbage rolls” or “golabki” in Polish cuisine, are a hearty and comforting dish. Here’s a traditional recipe to guide you through making delicious stuffed cabbage rolls:

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 pound (about 450g) ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:

a. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, remove the core from the cabbage and carefully place the whole head in the boiling water.

b. Boil the cabbage for about 5-7 minutes or until the leaves become pliable. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool. Once cool, carefully peel off the leaves.

2. Make the Filling:

a. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:

a. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

b. Take a cabbage leaf and place a small amount of the meat and rice mixture in the center. Roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

c. Place the rolled cabbage leaves seam side down in a baking dish.

4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

a. In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, beef or vegetable broth, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.

5. Pour Sauce Over the Cabbage Rolls:

Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the stuffed cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well-covered.

6. Bake:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until the cabbage is tender.

7. Serve:

Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Spoon some of the tomato sauce over each serving.

Stuffed cabbage rolls are often served with a dollop of sour cream on top. They make for a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for family gatherings or any occasion. Enjoy your homemade stuffed cabbage rolls!