Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food that brings together tender cabbage leaves filled with a flavorful mixture of meat, rice, and spices, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also surprisingly versatile, with variations found in many cultures around the world. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step to make the perfect stuffed cabbage rolls, from preparing the cabbage to creating the stuffing, cooking, and serving suggestions.
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, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling cabbage
- Large bowl for mixing filling
- Large baking dish or Dutch oven
- Aluminum foil
- Knife and cutting board