Simple Stuffed Cabbage Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Follow Guide
Guide or Summary：Ingredients for Simple Stuffed Cabbage RecipeInstructions for Simple Stuffed Cabbage RecipeTips for Perfect Simple Stuffed Cabbage RecipeIf……
Guide or Summary：
- Ingredients for Simple Stuffed Cabbage Recipe
- Instructions for Simple Stuffed Cabbage Recipe
- Tips for Perfect Simple Stuffed Cabbage Recipe
If you're looking for a comforting dish that's both nutritious and flavorful, look no further than a simple stuffed cabbage recipe. This classic dish, known for its tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and rice, is a favorite in many households. In this guide, we'll walk you through a detailed, step-by-step process to create a mouthwatering stuffed cabbage dish that will surely become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients for Simple Stuffed Cabbage Recipe
To make a simple stuffed cabbage recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions for Simple Stuffed Cabbage Recipe
1. **Prepare the Cabbage:**
- Begin by removing the core from the cabbage. This will make it easier to separate the leaves.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully add the whole cabbage. Boil for about 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves start to soften and peel away easily.
- Carefully remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool slightly. Peel off the leaves one by one, trying to keep them intact. You will need about 12-15 large leaves for stuffing.
2. **Prepare the Filling:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. **Stuff the Cabbage Leaves:**
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
- Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up from the stem end to the top, creating a neat little package.
- Repeat this process with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. **Prepare the Sauce:**
- In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, and vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. **Assemble and Cook:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture on the bottom.
- Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, fitting them snugly together.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
6. **Serve:**
- Once the stuffed cabbage is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfect Simple Stuffed Cabbage Recipe
- **Choosing the Cabbage:** Select a large, firm head of cabbage with bright green leaves. This will ensure you have enough large leaves for stuffing.
- **Cooking the Rice:** Make sure the rice is fully cooked and cooled before mixing it with the meat. This helps in binding the filling together.
- **Adjusting Seasonings:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add more garlic, spices, or herbs to suit your preference.
- **Making Ahead:** Stuffed cabbage can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
In conclusion, this simple stuffed cabbage recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty and healthy meal. With its tender cabbage leaves and flavorful filling, it's sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try and savor the deliciousness of this classic dish!