Cozy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, these Cabbage Rolls are a timeless classic in many kitchens around the world. This recipe offers a delightful combination of tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling, all lovingly baked in a rich tomato sauce. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, these rolls are sure to impress.
Cabbage: The star of the show, cabbage provides a sturdy yet tender wrap for our flavorful filling. Ground beef: Adds richness and a meaty texture to the filling. You can swap it with pork or turkey if you prefer. White rice: Uncooked, it absorbs flavors while cooking, helping to bind the filling. Onion: Diced for a subtle sweetness and depth. Garlic: Minced for a punch of aromatic flavor. Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the filling together. Fresh parsley: Chopped for a fresh, herbal note. Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning. Tomato sauce: Forms the base of our flavorful sauce. Brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes. Lemon juice: Provides a subtle tanginess. Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth to the sauce.
These cabbage rolls are perfect with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it's warming up, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the pot. Boil until the leaves are soft, which usually takes about 8 minutes. This step makes them pliable and easy to roll.
As the cabbage cooks, grab a mixing bowl. Combine the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s just combined, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Once the cabbage is ready, remove it from the pot and let it cool just enough to handle. Carefully peel off the leaves, laying each one flat. Take about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture and place it in the center of a leaf. Roll it up, tucking in the sides, and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining filling and leaves.
In another bowl, prepare the sauce by mixing the tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they're well covered.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 hours. This will give the flavors time to meld and ensure everything is cooked through and deliciously tender.
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