Tender Cabbage Rolls in Rich Tomato Sauce
These hearty cabbage rolls are a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a cozy meal. The tender cabbage leaves envelop a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and a rich tomato sauce, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Ingredients:
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can tomato soup
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and quarter it.
- Place the cabbage quarters in the boiling water for about 5 minutes, or until the leaves soften.
- Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly. Carefully peel off individual leaves.
- Trim the thick stems from the cabbage leaves.
- Cook the Rice:
- Cook the rice according to package directions, but drain it well and let it cool completely.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground pork and beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in the cooked rice, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and stir it into the meat and rice mixture.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place about 1/4 cup of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
- Fold the sides of the cabbage leaf over the filling and roll up tightly.
- Place the cabbage rolls seam-down in a large baking dish.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato soup. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground pork and beef.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the dill or use a smaller amount.
- To add a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the tomato sauce mixture.
- For a shortcut, use pre-cooked brown rice to save time.
- Leftover cabbage rolls can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
- To freeze cabbage rolls, assemble them and place them in a freezer-safe container. Once frozen, transfer to freezer bags for longer storage.
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