Are you looking for a delicious and traditional stuffed cabbage roll recipe? Look no further! Stuffed cabbage rolls, also known as “golubtsy” in Russian or “sarma” in Balkan countries, are a mouthwatering dish that combines the flavors of savory meat, aromatic herbs, and tender cabbage leaves. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making these delightful rolls, ensuring that your family and friends will be delighted with this hearty meal.
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a perfect blend of comfort food and culinary art. The process of preparing these rolls may seem a bit daunting at first, but with our step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create a delicious dish that will impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to add a touch of tradition to your meal, these stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to be a hit.
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to gather all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need fresh cabbage leaves, ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix of both), onions, garlic, rice, tomatoes, and a variety of spices and herbs. Don’t worry if you can’t find fresh cabbage leaves; you can easily substitute them with packaged cabbage rolls, which are available in most grocery stores.
Now, let’s get started with the stuffed cabbage roll recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 head of fresh cabbage or 1 package of packaged cabbage rolls
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of cooked rice
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil a large pot of water and blanch the cabbage leaves for about 1-2 minutes until they become tender. Remove the leaves and set them aside to cool.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked onions and garlic, ground meat, salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, and basil. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface, fold the stem end under, and place a spoonful of the meat mixture on the bottom of the leaf. Roll the leaf over the filling, tucking in the sides as you go, to form a tight roll.
- Repeat the process with the remaining cabbage leaves and meat mixture, placing the rolls in a baking dish as you go.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes over the stuffed cabbage rolls, making sure they are well-coated.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the rolls are tender and the sauce is thickened.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the rolls to brown and caramelize slightly.
- Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, garnished with fresh parsley or dill, and enjoy this delightful meal with your loved ones.
By following this stuffed cabbage roll recipe, you’ll be able to create a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. The combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more, and the process of making these rolls is sure to be a memorable experience. Happy cooking!
