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A hearty and comforting Eastern European-inspired dish! Here’s a Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce recipe:
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
– 1 large head of cabbage
– 1 pound (450g) ground pork
– 1 pound (450g) ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup (115g) cooked rice
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups (475ml) canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup (250ml) beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Blanch the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the tough outer leaves from the cabbage head. Blanch the cabbage head in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or until the leaves are soft and pliable. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls: Remove the cooled cabbage leaves from the head. Cut out the thick stem from the center of each leaf. Place about 1/4 cup (55g) of the meat filling in the center of each leaf. Fold the stem end over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the leaf into a snug package. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Make the Tomato Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and dried oregano. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls: In a large Dutch oven or saucepan, combine the tomato sauce and cabbage rolls, seam-side down. Cover the pot and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook the cabbage rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
6. Serve: Serve the cabbage rolls hot, topped with the tomato sauce and garnished with chopped fresh parsley or dill, if desired.