Regular Cabbage Rolls

Regular Cabbage Rolls Recipe from Romania - Delicious Pork and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Leaves

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Regular cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food dish that is popular in many Eastern European countries. This dish consists of cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, then cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. Cabbage rolls are hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.

History

Cabbage rolls have a long history and are believed to have originated in Eastern Europe. They are a traditional dish in countries such as Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and Hungary. Cabbage rolls were originally made with ingredients that were readily available and affordable, making them a popular choice for families looking for a filling and delicious meal.

Ingredients

1 large cabbage
1.75 lb / 750 g ground meat (a mixture of pork and beef is recommended)
4 large onions
2 tbsp rice
1 bread slice
3 tbsp lard
5 - 6 tomatoes or 1 tbsp tomato sauce
salt
pepper
chopped dill
1 qt / 1 liter Borscht
sour cream

How to prepare

Grind the meat with the crustless bread slice (previously soaked and squeezed dry) and a raw onion. Place in a bowl and mix with rice, dill, pepper, salt, and finely chopped onion slightly fried in two tablespoons of lard.
Mix everything well. Core the cabbage with a sharp thin knife and then blanch it with borsh. Then carefully remove the cabbage leaves, one by one, so that they do not tear.
Cut larger leaves into 2 or 3 pieces and then place a little meat in each cabbage piece and roll it up. The smaller the rolls are, the tastier they will be.
Place a layer of rolls in a deep pan, then cover with a layer of chopped (julienned) cabbage, followed by a layer of thinly sliced tomatoes. Repeat this layering process until all the rolls are made.
The last layer should be tomato slices or tomato sauce. Add a heaping tablespoon of lard, pour in the borscht, and let it simmer on the stovetop for 30 minutes.
Then transfer to the oven to reduce the liquid.
Serve with sour cream.

Variations

Vegetarian cabbage rolls: Substitute the ground meat with a mixture of cooked lentils, rice, and vegetables.
Spicy cabbage rolls: Add some chopped chili peppers or hot sauce to the filling mixture for a kick of heat.
Mediterranean cabbage rolls: Use lamb or beef as the meat filling and season with Mediterranean herbs such as oregano and mint.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When coring the cabbage, be sure to use a sharp knife to make clean cuts.

- Blanching the cabbage leaves in borscht helps to soften them and make them easier to roll.

- Be sure to roll the cabbage rolls tightly to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.

- Layering the cabbage rolls with chopped cabbage and tomatoes adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.

- Cooking the cabbage rolls in the oven helps to reduce the liquid and intensify the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Regular cabbage rolls can be served as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or boiled potatoes. They pair well with a dollop of sour cream on top.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching: Blanche the cabbage leaves in borscht to soften them before rolling.

- Layering: Layer the cabbage rolls with chopped cabbage and tomatoes for added flavor.

- Simmering: Simmer the cabbage rolls in tomato sauce on the stovetop before transferring to the oven to finish cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground pork or turkey can be used instead of beef in the filling.

- White rice can be substituted with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.

- Olive oil can be used instead of lard for a lighter dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Regular cabbage rolls can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to cook. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Regular cabbage rolls can be served on a platter garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. They can also be topped with a drizzle of sour cream for a creamy finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Regular cabbage rolls pair well with a crisp green salad or pickled vegetables on the side. They also go well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cabbage rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of regular cabbage rolls contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of regular cabbage rolls contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of regular cabbage rolls contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of regular cabbage rolls contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Regular cabbage rolls are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, and folate. They also contain minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and iron.

Alergens

Regular cabbage rolls contain gluten from the bread slice used in the filling. They may also contain dairy allergens from the sour cream.

Summary

Regular cabbage rolls are a nutritious and balanced meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Regular cabbage rolls are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. They are easy to make, nutritious, and versatile, making them a great option for any occasion. Enjoy these hearty cabbage rolls with a side of sour cream for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Regular Cabbage Rolls. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary at her small cottage in the countryside. Mary was known for her amazing cooking skills, and she had promised to teach me how to make one of her favorite dishes.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, Mary began to gather all the ingredients we would need for the cabbage rolls. She handed me a head of cabbage and instructed me to carefully peel off the leaves one by one. As I worked my way through the layers of the cabbage, Mary started to tell me the story behind this recipe.

She explained that she had learned how to make these cabbage rolls from her own grandmother, who had brought the recipe with her from the old country. Mary's grandmother had always been a fantastic cook, and she had passed down her love of traditional dishes to Mary.

As we continued to prepare the ingredients, Mary shared with me the special touches that made this recipe unique. She told me about the flavorful filling made with ground beef, rice, onions, and spices, and how the cabbage leaves were carefully rolled around the mixture before being baked in a savory tomato sauce.

I listened intently as Mary imparted her wisdom, taking mental notes on each step of the process. I could tell that this recipe was something truly special, and I was eager to learn how to make it for myself.

Once the cabbage leaves were peeled and the filling was prepared, Mary showed me how to assemble the rolls. She carefully spooned the filling onto each leaf, rolling them up tightly and placing them in a baking dish. As she poured the tomato sauce over the top of the rolls, I could already imagine the delicious aroma that would soon fill the kitchen.

As we waited for the cabbage rolls to bake, Mary and I sat at her kitchen table, sipping on tea and reminiscing about old times. She told me stories of her childhood and the meals her grandmother used to make for her family. I could see the love and nostalgia in her eyes as she spoke, and I felt honored to be learning this recipe that held such sentimental value for her.

Finally, the timer dinged, and Mary pulled the steaming dish of cabbage rolls out of the oven. The scent that wafted through the kitchen was heavenly, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

We each took a serving of the cabbage rolls and sat down to enjoy our meal. The flavors were incredible – the tender cabbage, the savory filling, and the tangy tomato sauce all melded together perfectly. I couldn't believe how delicious they were, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had helped to create such a wonderful dish.

As we finished our meal, Mary leaned back in her chair with a satisfied smile on her face. "You did a wonderful job, my dear," she said. "I think you have a real talent for cooking."

I blushed at her praise, feeling grateful for her guidance and the opportunity to learn from her. This recipe for Regular Cabbage Rolls was more than just a dish – it was a connection to the past, a reminder of the bonds of friendship, and a delicious reminder of the joys of home cooking.

From that day on, I made the Regular Cabbage Rolls for my family and friends, passing on the tradition that Mary had shared with me. Each time I made them, I thought of my dear friend and the special memories we had created together in her cozy kitchen that summer day. And each time I took a bite of those delicious cabbage rolls, I felt grateful for the love and connection that food can bring into our lives.