Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 03, 2025

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Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe: A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal

Are you looking for a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish that's also relatively easy to make? Look no further than stuffed cabbage rolls! This classic recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. This guide provides a step-by-step recipe for delicious stuffed cabbage rolls, incorporating SEO best practices for optimal search engine visibility.

What are Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Stuffed cabbage rolls, also known as holubtsi (in Ukrainian), sarma (in Croatian and Serbian), or golumpki (in Polish), are a traditional dish consisting of cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of meat (usually ground beef or pork), rice, and spices. The rolls are then simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce until tender and flavorful. They're incredibly satisfying and offer a wonderful balance of textures and tastes.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields approximately 12 stuffed cabbage rolls. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.

• For the Cabbage:

  • 1 large head of green cabbage
  • 2 tablespoons salt

• For the Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• For the Sauce:

  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Cabbage Leaves:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage. You can use a sharp knife to cut it out.
3. Submerge the cabbage in the boiling water. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves are softened enough to remove easily.
4. Remove leaves one by one, and set them aside to cool.

Making the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, rice, onion, carrots, celery, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley (if using). Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Assembling the Cabbage Rolls:

1. Lay a cabbage leaf flat.
2. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
3. Fold the sides of the leaf inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom.
4. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and meat mixture.

Simmering the Cabbage Rolls:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste.
2. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-down in the sauce.
3. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 1.5-2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your delicious stuffed cabbage rolls hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. They pair perfectly with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
• Add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Use different types of cabbage, such as savoy cabbage, for a unique taste and texture.
• Don't overfill the cabbage leaves, or they may burst during cooking.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to create a memorable stuffed cabbage roll dish. Remember to adjust seasoning to your preferences, and enjoy the process of making this flavorful classic! Enjoy!