Description
Polish comfort emerges with classic Cabbage Rolls, blending tender cabbage leaves wrapped around seasoned ground meat and rice. Rich family traditions simmer in this hearty dish, inviting you to savor generations of culinary warmth and authentic Eastern European flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup cooked rice
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces / 170 grams) tomato paste
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Carefully extract the cabbage core and submerge leaves in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until pliable. Drain and allow to cool, then delicately trim the thick stem portions to facilitate easier rolling.
- Craft the filling by blending ground beef, precooked rice, diced onions, whisked egg, tomato paste, aromatic herbs, and seasonings until thoroughly incorporated, ensuring uniform distribution of ingredients.
- Position each cabbage leaf flat, strategically center a precise portion of meat mixture, elegantly fold edges inward, and meticulously roll into compact parcels, maintaining snug compression.
- Develop a robust sauce by whisking crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, subtle sweetener, fragrant herbs, and select spices. Simmer mixture for 10 minutes to meld flavors and achieve desired consistency.
- Heat oven to 350°F. Arrange rolled cabbage packages in a deep baking vessel, generously cascade prepared tomato sauce over rolls, then seal tightly with aluminum foil. Roast for approximately 90 minutes, periodically verifying even heat distribution.
- Remove from oven, allow brief resting period to stabilize internal temperature. Garnish with fresh herbs and optional creamy accompaniment before presenting this comforting classic dish.
Notes
- Softening Cabbage Leaves: Boil leaves briefly to make them pliable and prevent tearing during rolling, ensuring easy and neat assembly.
- Handling Thick Veins: Carefully trim thick stem parts of cabbage leaves to create smoother, more uniform rolls that wrap easily.
- Preventing Dry Filling: Use fatty ground beef (80/20 ratio) to keep the filling moist and prevent crumbly, tough texture during baking.
- Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or chopped mushrooms for a keto-friendly version without losing rich flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg