Cabbage rolls are a hearty and flavorful dish made from tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This classic comfort food is a staple in many cultures and can be traced back to ancient times. Variations of cabbage rolls can be found all over the world, with each region adding its own unique spin to the recipe.
In this article, we'll take you on a culinary journey through the world of cabbage rolls, exploring three distinct variations of this beloved dish:
- **Classic Cabbage Rolls:** These traditional cabbage rolls feature a filling made with ground beef, pork, or a combination of both, along with rice, vegetables, and herbs. The rolls are then carefully wrapped in blanched cabbage leaves and nestled in a flavorful tomato sauce.
- **Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls:** For those who prefer a meatless option, vegetarian cabbage rolls offer a delicious and satisfying alternative. The filling is typically made with a combination of rice, vegetables, beans, and lentils, providing a hearty and nutritious meal.
- **Savory Cabbage Rolls with Sausage:** These cabbage rolls incorporate the bold flavors of sausage into the filling. The combination of ground sausage, vegetables, and herbs creates a savory and aromatic filling that pairs perfectly with the tangy tomato sauce.
Whether you're a fan of classic comfort food or seeking a vegetarian or sausage-infused twist, this article has a cabbage roll recipe to suit every taste. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a culinary adventure together!
STUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS WITH TOMATO SAUCE
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 2h15m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- Make the cabbage rolls: Combine the bread and milk in a small bowl and soak 5 minutes. Squeeze the excess milk from the bread and transfer to a large bowl. Add the pork, beef, parmesan, eggs, parsley, cognac, oregano, garlic, nutmeg, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; mix with your hands until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil and fill a large bowl with ice water. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves (you will need 12 large leaves, or you can use 2 small leaves to make a large one). Working in batches, blanch the leaves until pliable, about 45 seconds, then remove with tongs and transfer to the ice water. Remove from the ice water, shake dry, then layer between paper towels to soak up the excess moisture. Trim the tough center stem from the bottom of each leaf.
- Shape the meat mixture into twelve 4-inch-long sausages. Lay out a cabbage leaf, then put a sausage on top lengthwise. Fold in the short ends of the leaf, then tightly roll up the leaf like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and sausages. Transfer the rolls to a plate and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Fit a large, wide pot with a steamer insert and fill with 2 inches of water; bring the water to a boil. Arrange the cabbage rolls in the steamer insert, cover and reduce the heat to medium low; steam until the filling is cooked through, about 45 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce: Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, about 6 minutes. Add the cognac and simmer until almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, 1 1/2 cups water, the oregano and 3/4 teaspoon salt; bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a blender and puree until mostly smooth, then return to the pot; thin with up to 1/2 cup hot water, if desired. Season with salt. Bring just to a simmer and stir in a splash of cognac.
- Serve the cabbage rolls topped with the sauce, parmesan and parsley.
CABBAGE ROLLS WITH TOMATO SAUCE
This delicious recipe was given to me by a special friend-she included it in a collection of her family's favorites that she gave us as a unique wedding present.-Mary Lea Schmidt, Anahim Lake, British Columbia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h55m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Remove core from the cabbage. Place cabbage in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil; after about 3 minutes, outer leaves should be tender enough to remove. Return to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until leaves are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the tough center stalk from each leaf; reserve extra leaves and line a large baking dish with them. (If leaves for rolling are too brittle, return to boiling water for 1-2 minutes.) , Combine meat, rice, onion, egg and seasonings. Place about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture on each cabbage leaf. Roll toward the stalk, tucking in sides. Place rolls, seam side down, in a baking dish. , Combine sauce ingredients; pour over rolls. Cover and bake at 350° for 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 78mg cholesterol, Sodium 685mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 20g protein.
TRADITIONAL CABBAGE ROLLS IN TOMATO CREAM SAUCE
This recipe was passed down from my Mother and it is very good. It was given to her by a first generation Polish friend back in the 60's. Whenever she feels the mood strike her, she sill makes them by the boatload and freezes them separate from the sauce. I've spied this recipe in locations where I had not posted it- some claiming it for their own. I just figure that it shows this recipe really is THAT dang good!
Provided by Brandess
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h15m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- Make the filling for the Stuffed Cabbage Leaves: Place the bread cubes in a small mixing bowl, add the milk and leave the bread to soak until it is completely saturated, approximate 5 minutes. Squeeze out the excess milk with your hands; discard the milk and add the soaked bread to a large mixing bowl with the meat, rice, parsley, sage, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate while you prepare the cabbage.
- Steam the cabbage for 5-10 minutes, until the outermost leaves are pliable. After removing several softened leaves, you will likely need to continue steaming the inner leaves. Peel off at least 12 leaves total. Holding each leaf rib-side up, pare the thick part of the rib to flatten it.
- Place a small amount of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, overlapping them slightly. Starting at the stem end, roll up the leaf into a compact bundle. Continue process until all leaves and meat mixture have been used.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Make the sauce: Heat a large Dutch Oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic; saute until the vegetables are translucent. Add tomato paste and paprika; saute for 3 minutes. Stir in chicken stock, tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and sage. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove 1 cup of the sauce to a measuring cup. Arrange the stuffed cabbage leaves neatly in a single layer over the remaining sauce in the Dutch Oven. If you had more filling than cabbage leaves to fill, use the rest to make meatballs, and tuck them in around the rolls. Pour the 1 cup of reserved sauce over the rolls. Transfer the Dutch Oven to the preheated oven and bake until the bundles are cooked through and firm to the touch, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Use a large spoon to transfer the rolls to a platter or storage container. With an immersion blender, puree the sauce together with the sour cream. Serve the cabbage rolls with mashed potatoes or rice to absorb the luscious sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 636, Fat 28.3, SaturatedFat 8.6, Cholesterol 86, Sodium 2469.7, Carbohydrate 62.6, Fiber 8.4, Sugar 20.8, Protein 35
STUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS WITH TOMATO SAUCE
Cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of ground beef, pork, and veal and baked in a savory tomato sauce.
Provided by Bren
Categories Main Dish Recipes Stuffed Main Dish Recipes Stuffed Cabbage
Time 2h
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Place cabbage, core-side down, in an 8- to 10-cup microwave-safe casserole dish. Add 1/2 cup water, cover, and microwave on high until outer leaves are soft, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and cool.
- While the cabbage is cooling, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Combine ground beef, pork, veal, rice, onion, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add 1 teaspoon each of thyme, basil, and oregano; mix until well combined.
- Remove 12 outer leaves from the cooled cabbage and trim the thick stems to make them easier to roll.
- Divide meat mixture into 12 equal portions. Place 1 portion on the stem end of each cabbage leaf. Roll up the leaves and fold in the ends. Place rolls, seam-sides down, in a single layer in a casserole dish.
- Combine crushed tomatoes with remaining thyme, basil, and oregano and pour over cabbage rolls.
- Cover and bake in the preheated oven until meat is cooked through, about 1 hour. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F (71 degrees C). Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 419.1 calories, Carbohydrate 28.4 g, Cholesterol 128.6 mg, Fat 20.7 g, Fiber 7.1 g, Protein 31.8 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 686.2 mg, Sugar 5.5 g
Tips:
- Choose fresh, firm cabbage leaves for easy rolling and to prevent tearing.
- Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for a few minutes to soften them and make them more pliable.
- Use a large pot or Dutch oven to cook the cabbage rolls, as they will need plenty of space to simmer.
- Make sure the cabbage rolls are completely submerged in the tomato sauce while cooking.
- Serve the cabbage rolls hot, with additional tomato sauce, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.
Conclusion:
Cabbage rolls are a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are relatively easy to make, and they can be customized to suit your own taste preferences. Whether you prefer a traditional cabbage roll recipe or a more modern variation, you are sure to find a recipe in this article that you will love. So next time you are looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give cabbage rolls a try!
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