Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
- Cook Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully place the whole head in the boiling water. After a few minutes, the outer leaves will start to loosen. Use tongs to peel them off and transfer to a bowl. Continue until you have enough leaves (usually around 12-15). Trim the thick vein from the bottom of each leaf to make rolling easier.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, uncooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
- Fill Leaves: Place a cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board. Put about 1/4 cup of filling near the bottom of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll the leaf up over the filling, tucking in the sides as you roll.
- Arrange in Dish: Place the roll seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, water, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Pour Over Rolls: Pour the sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls in the dish.
Step 5: Bake the Cabbage Rolls
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours, or until the meat is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Step 6: Serve
- Rest: Let the rolls rest for a few minutes after removing them from the oven.
- Serve: Enjoy the cabbage rolls warm, spooning extra sauce over the top.
Conclusion
Country cabbage rolls are a comforting dish, deeply rooted in Mennonite culinary traditions. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd and can be prepared ahead of time, making them convenient for busy schedules. Enjoy these delicious rolls on their own, or with a side of mashed potatoes for a classic, comforting meal.