Here’s a simple and tasty cabbage rolls recipe you can try at home:
Ingredients (for ~6-8 rolls)
For the rolls:
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
For the sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage leaves:
- Remove the core from the cabbage.
- Boil the whole head in a large pot of water for 5–10 minutes until the outer leaves are soft and pliable.
- Carefully peel off the leaves one by one.
- Make the filling:
- In a bowl, mix the cooked rice, ground meat, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Form the rolls:
- Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling onto a cabbage leaf.
- Fold in the sides and roll it up tightly, like a burrito.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the rolls:
- Place the rolls in a baking dish or pot, seam side down.
- Pour the sauce over the rolls so they’re mostly covered.
- Cover with foil or a lid and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–60 minutes.
- Serve:
- Let them cool for a few minutes, then serve with a spoonful of sauce on top.
💡 Tips:
- You can add carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor.
- Some people like to add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the sauce for a tangy twist.
If you want, I can also give you a faster, stove-top version that doesn’t require baking. It’s perfect if you’re short on time. Do you want me to do that?
