St￭ cabbage rolls are the epitome of cozy comfort food, a dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia with every bite. This classic recipe has roots in traditional Eastern European cuisine, where variations of cabbage rolls are a staple in many households.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 large head of cabbage
1 pound ground beef (or use a ground beef substitute for a vegetarian version)
1 cup cooked rice
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg (omit for a vegetarian version)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cups tomato sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage: Core the cabbage and blanch the leaves in boiling water for about 5 minutes until soft enough to roll. Carefully remove the leaves and let them cool.
Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, sautéed onions, garlic, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Roll the Cabbage: Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly.
Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, spread a layer of sauce at the bottom. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls.
Cook the Cabbage Rolls: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
Serve: Let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a slice of fresh homemade bread or your favorite side dish.
