Ah, cabbage rolls — a classic comfort food found in many cuisines, from Eastern European to Middle Eastern. They’re hearty, savory, and perfect for a family dinner. Here’s a traditional recipe:
Classic Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients (4–6 servings)
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 cups tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup water or broth
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the cabbage leaves
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully remove whole cabbage leaves from the head (about 12–15 leaves).
- Boil leaves for 2–3 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and cool.
2. Make the filling
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix until evenly combined.
3. Assemble the rolls
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat, cut out thick stem if necessary.
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center.
- Fold the sides over, then roll tightly from stem end. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
4. Cook the cabbage rolls
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, spread ½ cup tomato sauce on the bottom.
- Arrange rolls seam-side down in layers.
- Pour remaining tomato sauce and water/broth over the rolls. Add sugar if using.
- Cover and simmer on low for 45–60 minutes, until meat is cooked and cabbage is tender.
5. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, bread, or rice.
Tips for Best Flavor
- Brown the meat and onions lightly before mixing with rice for extra depth.
- Some recipes add smoked paprika or a splash of vinegar to the tomato sauce for authenticity.
- Cabbage rolls taste even better the next day — leftovers reheat wonderfully.
If you want, I can also give:
- Slow cooker cabbage rolls version
- Keto-friendly cabbage rolls (no rice)
- Stuffed cabbage rolls with ground turkey or vegan option
Do you want me to give one of these variations?
