“My father was such a big fan of this dish! He went back for thirds.”

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food enjoyed in many cultures around the world. This recipe offers a delicious and easy-to-follow guide for creating these savory parcels filled with seasoned ground meat and rice, simmered in a rich tomato sauce.

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients (in a table) and step-by-step instructions for making these delightful stuffed cabbage rolls:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prep the Cabbage Leaves:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage.
   • Once the water is boiling, blanch the cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes, or until they are pliable and easier to roll.
   • Drain the blanched cabbage leaves and set them aside.

2. Make the Filling:

   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or meat mixture), cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
   • Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until well incorporated.

3. Assemble the Rolls:

   • Lay a single, blanched cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board.
   • Place approximately 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture near the stem end of the leaf.
   • Fold the sides of the leaf inwards over the filling.
   • Carefully roll up the cabbage leaf tightly, enclosing the filling.
   • Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling mixture.

4. Simmer the Cabbage Rolls:

   • Heat olive oil or butter over medium heat in a large skillet or pot.
   • Once hot, carefully place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the skillet.
   • Pour the tomato sauce and beef or chicken broth over the rolls, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
   • If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add the optional tablespoon of sugar at this point.
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
   • Cover the pot or skillet and simmer the cabbage rolls for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Baste the rolls with the sauce occasionally throughout the cooking process.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once cooked through, transfer the cabbage rolls to serving plates.
   • Spoon some of the flavorful sauce over the rolls.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
   • Serve with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or your favorite accompaniment for a complete and comforting meal.