Ingredients
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1 large head CabbageFor the Cabbage Rolls
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1 lb Ground BeefFor the Cabbage Rolls
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1/2 cup Cooked riceFor the Cabbage Rolls
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1 / finely chopped Small onionFor the Cabbage Rolls
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1 clove / minced GarlicFor the Cabbage Rolls
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1 EggFor the Cabbage Rolls
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1/4 cup MilkFor the Cabbage Rolls
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1 teaspoon SaltFor the Cabbage Rolls
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1/2 teaspoon Black pepperFor the Cabbage Rolls
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1/2 teaspoon (optional PaprikaFor the Cabbage Rolls
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1/2 cup Tomato sauceFor the Cabbage Rolls
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2 cups Tomato sauceFor the Tomato Sauce
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1/2 cup WaterFor the Tomato Sauce
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1/2 teaspoon SugarFor the Tomato Sauce
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Salt and pepper to tasteFor the Tomato Sauce
Directions
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head and place the whole head in the boiling water.
- Boil for about 5-7 minutes or until the outer leaves become soft and pliable. You may need to remove the leaves one by one as they soften, using tongs or a slotted spoon.
- Once you’ve removed the leaves, set them aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Take a cabbage leaf and place a small amount of the meat mixture in the center (the amount depends on the size of the leaf; usually, 2-3 tablespoons).
- Fold the sides of the cabbage leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Make the Tomato Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, water, sugar, salt, and pepper. Heat it over medium heat until it’s warm and well-mixed.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
- Place a few cabbage leaves at the bottom of a large pot to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls in layers in the pot.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls.
- Simmer and Cook:
- Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the pot and place them on a serving platter.
- Pour some of the tomato sauce over the top.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Cabbage rolls are often served with a side of sour cream or a dollop of yogurt. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste. This recipe is a classic version, but there are countless regional variations and fillings to explore.
