stuffed cabbage

Absolutely! Stuffed Cabbage (also known as cabbage rolls) is a comforting, old-fashioned dish made of tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a hearty filling — usually a mix of ground meat, rice, and seasonings — then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is beloved in many cultures, from Polish Gołąbki to Jewish Holishkes.

🥬 Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

🕒 Time:

• Prep: 30 minutes

• Cook: 1 hour 15 minutes
  🍽 Serves: 6–8

🧾 Ingredients:

For the cabbage & filling:

• 1 large green cabbage (about 2–3 lbs)

• 1 lb ground beef (or mix with pork/turkey)

• ½ cup uncooked white rice (or cooked, see note)

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg, beaten

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 tsp paprika (optional)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

For the sauce:

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of Worcestershire sauce

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the cabbage:

• Bring a large pot of water to boil.

• Remove core from cabbage and carefully peel away whole leaves (you’ll need ~12).

• Blanch leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until pliable. Drain and cool.

2. Make the filling:

• In a large bowl, combine ground meat, uncooked rice*, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.

💡 If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rice and reduce cooking time slightly.

3. Make the sauce:

• In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, lemon juice, and seasonings.

4. Assemble the rolls:

• Trim the thick stem from each cabbage leaf.

• Place ~¼ cup of filling in the center of each leaf. Fold the sides over, then roll up tightly from the base.

• Place seam-side down in a baking dish or large pot.

5. Bake or simmer:

Option A – Bake:

• Pour sauce over rolls in a large baking dish, cover tightly with foil.

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour 15 minutes.

Option B – Stovetop:

• Layer rolls in a large pot, cover with sauce, bring to simmer.

• Cover and cook over low heat for 1 to 1½ hours.

🍽 Serve with:

• Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles

• Rye bread or crusty rolls

• Sour cream or fresh herbs on top

🔁 Variations:

• Add sauerkraut between the layers for a tangy kick

• Make it vegetarian with lentils or mushrooms instead of meat

• Try a spicy tomato sauce for a bold twist