Stuffed Cabbage Leaves with Mince

Ingredients for Stuffed Cabbage with Ground Beef:

• 2 kg cabbage (white)
• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 200 grams ground beef
• 1 large onion
• 1 tomato
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon dried mint
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• Salt to taste
• A handful of chopped fresh parsley

For the Sauce:

• 1 onion
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• A small splash of olive oil

Method:

1. Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a spoonful of salt. Bring it to a boil.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the cabbage leaves and cook them just until they begin to soften.
3. Remove the cabbage from the hot water and immediately place it in a bowl filled with cold water to halt the cooking process. Let it drain.
4. For the filling, finely chop the onion, tomato, and parsley. Put them in a large bowl.
5. Mix the rice, bulgur, ground beef, tomato paste, seasonings, salt, and cooking oil into the bowl with the chopped ingredients. Knead everything together with your hands.
6. Trim the cabbage leaves to your preferred size and start wrapping the mixture into rolls.
7. Place the thick, tough parts of the cabbage veins at the bottom of a cooking pot to avoid the rolls sticking to the base.
8. Lay the stuffed cabbage rolls neatly on top of the cabbage pieces in the pot.
9. To prepare the sauce, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the finely chopped onion and tomato paste until fragrant.
10. Add about two cups of water and let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Once boiling, pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls in the pot.
11. Cover the rolls with a porcelain plate to keep them intact while cooking.
12. Place the lid on the pot, and cook over high heat until it begins to bubble. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer until the cabbage rolls have absorbed the liquid.
13. When done, serve and enjoy the stuffed cabbage rolls!

Enjoy your meal!

FAQS

What is the difference between Polish and Ukrainian cabbage rolls?

Cabbage rolls vary widely depending on regional traditions and family recipes. In Polish cabbage rolls, you’ll typically find a filling of meat and rice, while the Ukrainian version, like the one my friend Penny prepares, is usually made with just rice.

Can You Freeze Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Yes, it’s recommended to freeze stuffed cabbage rolls before cooking. To do so, stuff and roll the cabbage tightly, then place them on a baking sheet to freeze quickly. Once frozen, transfer the rolls to a zip-lock bag or an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake them following the original recipe.

What to Serve With Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

If you’re wondering what to pair with stuffed cabbage rolls, there are several delicious options to complement the dish. You could serve them alongside a refreshing cucumber salad, enjoy them with hearty rye bread, or go for a classic side like mashed potatoes. For something a little different, try spaetzle dumplings or add the earthy flavor of roasted beets to round out the meal.

How to Store Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

After the cabbage rolls have cooled, store them in a shallow, sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. For optimal reheating, use the oven, but if needed, the microwave is a quick alternative.

How do you separate cabbage leaves for stuffing?

Why is my stuffed cabbage meat tough?

If your stuffed cabbage meat turns out tough, it’s likely because the mixture was overworked. While it’s important to combine the ingredients thoroughly, overmixing can make the meat dense and tough.

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