Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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Old-Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, also known as “Golubtsi” or “Halupki,” are a classic comfort food dish made with tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Here’s a traditional recipe to make these delicious and hearty cabbage rolls:

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cabbage:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head and place the whole cabbage in the boiling water. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the outer leaves are softened and can be easily peeled off. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly. Peel off about 12 large leaves, trimming the tough ribs at the base of each leaf.
  1. Make the Filling:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, dried thyme, dried marjoram, dried parsley, and dried dill (if using). Mix until well combined.
  1. Fill the Cabbage Leaves:
  • Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Add a small amount of the meat mixture (about 1/4 cup) to the center of the leaf. Roll up the leaf, tucking in the sides as you go, to form a tight roll. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
  1. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  1. Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
  • Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot with the simmering tomato sauce. Make sure the rolls are snugly packed together in a single layer.
  • Cover the pot and simmer the cabbage rolls over low heat for 45-60 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
  1. Serve:
  • Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the pot and place them on a serving platter. Spoon some of the tomato sauce over the top. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy these old-fashioned stuffed cabbage rolls as a comforting and satisfying meal! They’re perfect served with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.

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