Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage rolls are a delightful dish that combines tender cabbage leaves with a savory filling, often made from ground meat and rice. This hearty meal is not only comforting but also versatile, allowing for various fillings and sauces. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply craving a cozy meal, cabbage rolls are a fantastic choice that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill) for garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, and cooking time is around 1 hour.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of cabbage rolls contains approximately 350 calories, 20g of protein, 15g of carbohydrates, and 25g of fat. This information is based on a serving size of one cabbage roll.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully peel off 12 leaves.
- Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place a generous spoonful of the filling on each cabbage leaf.
- Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly from the bottom.
- Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls and cover with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option. You can also replace rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Serving and Pairings
Cabbage rolls pair beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. They also complement a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cabbage rolls can be reheated in the oven or microwave. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure to wrap them tightly.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the cabbage leaves can make them too mushy.
- Not seasoning the filling enough can lead to bland rolls.
- Filling the rolls too much can cause them to burst during cooking.
- Not covering the baking dish can lead to dry cabbage rolls.
- Using raw rice in the filling without cooking can make the rolls crunchy.
Helpful Tips
- Use a sharp knife to cut the core out of the cabbage easily.
- Let the filling cool slightly before rolling to avoid burning your fingers.
- Experiment with spices like cumin or oregano for a different flavor.
- Consider adding chopped vegetables to the filling for extra nutrition.
FAQs
Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare cabbage rolls a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.
What type of meat can I use in the filling?
Ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like lentils can work well. Choose according to your preference.
How do I know when they are done cooking?
Cabbage rolls are done when they are heated through and the meat is no longer pink. The sauce should be bubbling.
Can I freeze cooked cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! Allow them to cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container. They can be reheated straight from the freezer.
What can I serve with cabbage rolls?
Cabbage rolls are great with sour cream, crusty bread, or a side salad. They also pair well with roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Cabbage rolls are a comforting, hearty dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. With their versatile filling options and delicious sauce, they are a perfect meal for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Try this recipe to experience the warmth and flavor of homemade cabbage rolls!
Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs parsley or dill for garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully peel off 12 leaves.
- Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place a generous spoonful of the filling on each cabbage leaf.
- Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly from the bottom.
- Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls and cover with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.