Cabbage recipe

  The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls, a beloved dish in many cultures, are a perfect blend of savory fillings wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe will guide you through creating a mouthwatering batch of cabbage rolls that will impress your family and friends.

 Ingredients:

**For the Cabbage Rolls:**

- 1 large head of cabbage

- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

- 1 cup cooked rice

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 egg, beaten

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

**For the Sauce:**

- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

- 1 cup tomato sauce

- 1/2 cup beef broth

- 2 tablespoons brown sugar

- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Cabbage:**

- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully core the cabbage to remove the tough center stem.

- Place the cabbage head in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, or until the outer leaves are pliable. Remove the cabbage and peel off the softened leaves. Repeat until you have 12-14 large leaves. Set aside.

**2. Make the Filling:**

- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix thoroughly until well combined.

**3. Assemble the Rolls:**

- Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Add about 2 tablespoons of the filling to the center of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll from the bottom to the top, tucking in the sides as you go to form a neat roll. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

**4. Prepare the Sauce:**

- In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

**5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls:**

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are well covered.

- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.

**6. Serve:**

- Let the cabbage rolls rest for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

### Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls:

1. **Choose the Right Cabbage:** Savoy cabbage is a great alternative to regular green cabbage, as its leaves are more flexible and easier to roll.

   

2. **Don't Overfill:** Be mindful of the amount of filling in each leaf. Overfilling can cause the rolls to burst during cooking.

3. **Make Ahead:** Cabbage rolls can be assembled and refrigerated a day in advance. Simply bake them when ready to serve.

4. **Freezing:** They freeze well! Prepare and cook as directed, then freeze individual portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Cabbage rolls are a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With this recipe, you'll be able to create a delicious meal that brings warmth and joy to your table. Enjoy!c