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Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls

Carly
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Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls: A Comforting Classic

Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls

Old-fashioned cabbage rolls are a hearty, nostalgic dish that evokes warmth and comfort. These savory delights feature a tender cabbage leaf wrapped around a flavorful filling of ground beef, rice, and a blend of herbs and spices. Baked in a rich tomato sauce, they create a truly satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Let's dive into the art of crafting these culinary treasures.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1.5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • 42 ounces tomato sauce, divided
  • 1 medium green cabbage
  • 1/2 cup water (from boiling cabbage)
  • Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Filling:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, egg, onion, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, dill, onion powder, and red chili flakes (if using). Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Preparing the Cabbage Leaves:

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the whole cabbage and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until slightly softened. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly.
  2. Once cool enough to handle, peel off individual cabbage leaves, removing the thick stem from each leaf. Reserve the boiling water for later use.

Assembling the Cabbage Rolls:

  1. Place a layer of cabbage leaves in the bottom of a deep 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll up the leaves tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Place the rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Creating the Sauce:

  1. Combine the remaining tomato sauce with 1/2 cup of the reserved cabbage water. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the cabbage rolls. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.

Baking the Cabbage Rolls:

  1. Bake the covered cabbage rolls in the preheated oven for 2 hours and 15 to 30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
  2. Remove the foil carefully to avoid steam burns. Allow the cabbage rolls to cool for about 20 minutes before serving.
  3. Garnish with fresh dill, if desired.

Tips

  • For extra flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the meat mixture.
  • If you prefer a sweeter tomato sauce, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the sauce.
  • To prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing, handle them gently.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with a mixture of lentils and quinoa.
  • Leftover cabbage rolls can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

By following these steps and incorporating the provided tips, you can create delicious and authentic old-fashioned cabbage rolls that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Enjoy this timeless culinary tradition!

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