Cabbage Rolls Paprika Recipe - Traditional Hungarian Dish

Cabbage Rolls Paprika

Cabbage Rolls Paprika Recipe - Traditional Hungarian Dish
Region / culture: Hungary | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cabbage Rolls Paprika
Cabbage Rolls Paprika

Cabbage Rolls Paprika is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of chicken, vegetables, and spices, all topped with a creamy paprika sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Cabbage rolls have a long history and are a popular dish in many cultures around the world. The combination of cabbage and meat filling has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations found in Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines. The addition of paprika sauce adds a unique and flavorful twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

Sauce

How to prepare

  1. Cook the cabbage leaves in boiling water, covered, for 6 minutes. Drain and pat them dry.
  2. Mix together the chicken, onion, celery, mushroom, garlic, salt, and thyme. Stir in the egg.
  3. Place 0.5 cup of the chicken mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf.
  4. Fold the sides of the leaf towards the center, over the filling, and then fold and overlap the ends to make a small bundle.
  5. Fasten the bundles with wooden picks. Place them in a 13x9x2-inch baking dish.

Sauce

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet.
  2. Blend in the flour, sour cream, and paprika, and then gradually stir in the chicken broth.
  3. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  4. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls.
  5. Cover and bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 35 minutes.
  6. Remove the picks before serving.

Variations

  • Substitute ground beef or pork for the chicken in the filling for a different flavor.
  • Add cooked rice or quinoa to the filling mixture for added texture and nutrition.
  • Use a different type of cabbage, such as savoy or napa, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the cabbage leaves until they are tender but still firm enough to hold the filling.

- Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the core of the cabbage to make it easier to separate the leaves.

- Make sure to secure the cabbage rolls with wooden picks to prevent them from unraveling during baking.

- The paprika sauce should be thick and creamy, so be sure to cook it over low heat and stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cabbage Rolls Paprika with a side of mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the cabbage leaves before filling and rolling them helps to soften them and make them easier to work with.

- Baking the cabbage rolls in a covered dish helps to keep them moist and tender while cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt or coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative to sour cream in the sauce.

- Substitute gluten-free flour for the flour in the sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

- Use tofu or tempeh as a vegetarian alternative to chicken in the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cabbage rolls up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until needed.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cabbage rolls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cabbage Rolls Paprika pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cabbage Rolls Paprika contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cabbage Rolls Paprika contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cabbage Rolls Paprika contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cabbage Rolls Paprika contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cabbage Rolls Paprika is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and wheat (flour). It may also contain soy (margarine) and eggs.

Summary

Cabbage Rolls Paprika is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cabbage Rolls Paprika is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With a savory chicken filling and creamy paprika sauce, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Hungary. My grandmother, who was an incredible cook, had invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare a special meal for a family gathering.

As I stood by her side, watching her expertly chop vegetables and season meats, I couldn't help but be amazed by her skill and knowledge. She seemed to know exactly what ingredients to use, how much of each to add, and how long to cook everything for. I knew that I wanted to learn everything I could from her, so I asked if she would teach me how to make one of her favorite dishes.

That's when she handed me a handwritten recipe for Cabbage Rolls Paprika. The paper was yellowed with age and smudged with various ingredients, but the words were still clear and legible. I eagerly studied the list of items needed and the step-by-step instructions, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness at the thought of trying to recreate my grandmother's masterpiece.

With her guidance, I set out to gather all the necessary ingredients from our garden and pantry. I carefully followed each instruction, from blanching the cabbage leaves to mixing the meat filling with onions, rice, and spices. The scent of paprika filled the air as I rolled up each cabbage leaf, tucking in the sides to create neat little bundles.

My grandmother watched me with a smile on her face, offering gentle corrections and helpful tips along the way. She told me stories of how she had learned this recipe from her own mother, who had passed it down through generations of our family. I felt a deep sense of connection to my ancestors as I worked to recreate this traditional Hungarian dish.

Finally, after hours of preparation and cooking, the Cabbage Rolls Paprika were ready to be served. The rich aroma of the dish wafted through the house, drawing in my family members one by one. As they took their first bite, their eyes lit up with delight and appreciation. My grandmother beamed with pride as they praised my cooking skills and asked for seconds.

From that moment on, Cabbage Rolls Paprika became a staple in our family gatherings. Whenever there was a special occasion or holiday, I would don my apron and set to work in the kitchen, following the same recipe that had been passed down to me by my grandmother. Each time I made the dish, I felt a sense of connection to my heritage and to the strong, talented women who had come before me.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my cooking skills and expand my repertoire of recipes. I added my own twists and variations to the traditional dishes I had learned from my grandmother, always striving to create meals that were both delicious and meaningful. But no matter how many new recipes I tried, Cabbage Rolls Paprika remained a favorite among my family and friends.

To this day, whenever I make Cabbage Rolls Paprika, I can't help but think of my grandmother and the special bond we shared in the kitchen. I am grateful for the love and knowledge she passed down to me, and I hope to continue sharing her recipes and stories with future generations. Cooking is not just about preparing food – it is about preserving traditions, honoring our ancestors, and creating lasting memories with those we hold dear. And for me, Cabbage Rolls Paprika will always be a reminder of the incredible woman who taught me the joys of cooking and the importance of family.

Categories

| Cabbage Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Hungarian Recipes | Main Dish Meat Recipes | Meat Appetizer Recipes | Mushroom Recipes | Sour Cream Recipes |

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