Traditional Cabbage Rolls

There’s something incredibly comforting about a well-made dish of cabbage rolls, a classic recipe that finds its way into many Eastern European kitchens. It’s a perfect blend of hearty ingredients wrapped in tender cabbage, all simmered in a savory homemade sauce. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making traditional cabbage rolls that are sure to warm any meal!

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 15 cabbage leaves
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/4 c. uncooked white rice
• 1/4 c. Italian bread crumbs
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Preparing the Sauce:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Cook the Onions: In a large deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking until fragrant, which usually takes about 1 minute.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and dried oregano to the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer on medium-low for 20 minutes to meld the flavors together beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Making the Rolls:

1. Blanch the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cabbage leaves and cook them until they are tender, about 1 minute. Drain and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, 1 cup of the prepared sauce, uncooked rice, bread crumbs, chopped onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, and mix until everything is well combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls: Spread a thin layer of sauce in a large baking dish. Trim the hard rib from each cabbage leaf with a paring knife. Place about ⅓ cup of filling at one end of each leaf, roll up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Place the rolls seam side down in the baking dish.
4. Bake: Top the rolls with the remaining sauce and cover the dish with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the rice and meat are thoroughly cooked.

To Serve:

Garnish the cabbage rolls with additional chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 55 mins
• Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Calories: 436 kcal per serving
• Servings: 5

Whether you’re cooking for a comforting weekday dinner or a festive gathering, these traditional cabbage rolls bring both nostalgia and flavor to the table. Enjoy the delicious wraps of love, and don’t forget to pass on this timeless recipe!