STUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS

Here is your FULL DETAIL RECIPE for delicious, tender, flavor-packed Stuffed Cabbage Rolls — written with clear headings and professional-style formatting.


🥬🍲 STUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS

Juicy, savory meat-and-rice filling wrapped in soft cabbage leaves and cooked in a rich tomato sauce. A classic comfort dish loved around the world.


INGREDIENTS

1. For the Cabbage Leaves

  • 1 large green cabbage
  • Water for boiling
  • Salt (1 tsp for boiling)

2. For the Beef & Rice Stuffing

  • 500g ground beef (or mix of beef + lamb)
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup uncooked rice (washed & drained)
  • 1 egg (optional, helps binding)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp oil or butter

3. For the Tomato Sauce

  • 2 cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 tbsp sugar (balances acidity)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

🍳 STEP-BY-STEP COOKING PROCEDURE


STEP 1: PREPARE THE CABBAGE LEAVES

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage.
  3. Place the whole cabbage (core removed) into boiling water.
  4. As leaves soften, gently peel them off and place on a tray.
  5. Continue until you have 14–16 large soft leaves.
  6. Trim the thick vein at the back of each leaf using a knife (do not cut the leaf fully).

Goal: Soft, flexible leaves perfect for rolling.


STEP 2: PREPARE THE MEAT & RICE FILLING

  1. In a pan, heat 2 tbsp oil/butter.
  2. Sauté chopped onions until translucent.
  3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  4. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
  5. Add ground beef, rice, tomato paste, parsley, egg, and spices:
    • Paprika
    • Black pepper
    • Cumin
    • Salt
  6. Mix thoroughly with hands or spoon until everything is well combined.

STEP 3: ROLL THE CABBAGE

  1. Place 1 cabbage leaf on a flat surface.
  2. Add 2–3 tbsp of filling near the stem end.
  3. Fold the sides inward.
  4. Roll tightly from bottom to top — like a burrito.
  5. Repeat for all leaves.

Tip: Don’t overstuff — rice expands while cooking.


STEP 4: PREPARE THE TOMATO SAUCE

  1. In a bowl, combine:
    • Tomato puree
    • Tomato paste
    • Broth
    • Sugar
    • Paprika
    • Salt
    • Pepper
    • Lemon juice
    • Olive oil
  2. Mix well until smooth.

STEP 5: ASSEMBLE THE POT

  1. Line the bottom of a large pot with leftover cabbage pieces (prevents burning).
  2. Arrange stuffed rolls seam-side down in layers.
  3. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the rolls.
  4. Place a small plate on top of rolls to keep them from floating up.
  5. Cover with lid.

STEP 6: COOK

  • Simmer on low heat for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until rice is fully cooked and rolls are tender.
  • Check occasionally — add a little broth if needed.

🍽️ STEP 7: SERVING

Serve hot with:

  • A dollop of sour cream or yogurt
  • Fresh parsley
  • Extra sauce from the pot

This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, bread, or salad.


PRO TIPS FOR PERFECT ROLLS

  • If cabbage is tough, boil a bit longer until soft.
  • Use medium-grain rice for best texture.
  • Oven method: Bake for 1 hr at 180°C (356°F) covered with foil.
  • Add chili flakes if you prefer a spicy version.

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