Delicious Stuffed Cabbage with Rice Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners
Guide or Summary：Ingredients for Stuffed Cabbage with Rice RecipePreparing the Cabbage LeavesMaking the Filling for Stuffed Cabbage with Rice RecipeCooking……
Guide or Summary：
- Ingredients for Stuffed Cabbage with Rice Recipe
- Preparing the Cabbage Leaves
- Making the Filling for Stuffed Cabbage with Rice Recipe
- Cooking the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Serving Suggestions
- Tips for Success
If you're on the lookout for a comforting and hearty meal that will bring the family together, look no further than this stuffed cabbage with rice recipe. This classic dish is a staple in many cultures, offering a delicious combination of tender cabbage leaves, savory meat, and perfectly cooked rice. In this detailed guide, we'll walk you through the steps to create this mouthwatering meal, ensuring it's a hit at your next family dinner.
Ingredients for Stuffed Cabbage with Rice Recipe
To start, gather all the necessary ingredients. Having everything on hand will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef or pork (or a mixture of both)
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Cabbage Leaves
1. Begin by removing the core from the cabbage. This will make it easier to separate the leaves.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully place the cabbage head into the boiling water.
3. As the cabbage cooks, the outer leaves will start to loosen. Use tongs to gently peel away each leaf as it becomes tender. This process typically takes about 10 minutes.
4. Once you have about 12-15 leaves, set them aside to cool. You can save the remaining cabbage for another use.
Making the Filling for Stuffed Cabbage with Rice Recipe
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 2 tablespoons of the meat and rice mixture in the center of the leaf.
3. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up from the bottom to the top, creating a neat little package. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
Cooking the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the stuffed cabbage rolls, seam side down, and cook until lightly browned on all sides. This step helps to seal the rolls and adds extra flavor.
2. Once all the rolls are browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Carefully return the stuffed cabbage rolls to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
5. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rolls simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Once your stuffed cabbage with rice recipe is ready, it's time to serve and enjoy! Carefully transfer the rolls to a serving platter, spooning some of the rich tomato sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family.
Tips for Success
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or pork.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
In conclusion, this stuffed cabbage with rice recipe is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its savory filling and tender cabbage, it's a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy the process of making it, and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results with your loved ones.