St￭ Cabbage Rolls are a delightful dish that brings together a medley of flavors and textures, making them a comforting and satisfying meal. Originating from Eastern European cuisine, these rolls are traditionally filled with a savory mixture of meat and rice, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 large head of green cabbage
1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey)
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core of the cabbage using a sharp knife. Once the water is boiling, carefully submerge the whole cabbage head and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the outer leaves are tender. Use tongs to remove the cabbage, allowing it to cool slightly. Peel off 12-15 leaves and set aside.
Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined, ensuring the mixture is not too mushy.
Form the Rolls: Take one cabbage leaf and lay it flat on a clean surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling at the base of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly from the base to the tip. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes with oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper over medium heat. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
Cook the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange the st￭ cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the rolls, ensuring they are well covered. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour. Remove the foil in the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the rolls to brown slightly on top.
Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
