Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients:

– 1 large head of cabbage
– 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
– 1/2 cup uncooked rice
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
– 1/4 cup water or beef broth
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Cabbage:**
– Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage.
– Place the cabbage in the boiling water and let it cook for a few minutes, until the outer leaves start to soften and can be easily removed.
– Carefully peel off the outer leaves as they become pliable, and set them aside on a plate. Continue until you have 10-12 large leaves.

2. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. **Stuff the Cabbage Leaves:**
– Take a cabbage leaf and place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center.
– Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the stem end. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

4. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– In a medium bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water or beef broth, brown sugar, and lemon juice or vinegar if using. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

5. **Cook the Cabbage Rolls:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Arrange the cabbage rolls, seam side down, in a large baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the rolls, making sure they are well-covered.
– Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.

6. **Serve:**
– Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. These cabbage rolls are delicious on their own or served with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Enjoy your homemade stuffed cabbage rolls!