Description
Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground meat and rice, then slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly cooked.
Ingredients
- 1 large head green cabbage
- 500 g ground beef or lamb
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup water or broth
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves. Blanch leaves for 2–3 minutes until soft, then drain.
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, rice, chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix well.
- Place a small amount of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf, fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
- Heat oil in a large pot. Mix tomato paste with tomato sauce and water or broth, then spread a small amount on the bottom of the pot.
- Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot. Pour remaining sauce over the rolls.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 60 minutes, until cabbage is tender and filling is fully cooked.
- Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Serve with yogurt or sour cream if desired.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Eastern European