rolls
🥬 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Classic Homemade Recipe)
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting dish made by wrapping cabbage leaves around a savory filling of meat and rice, then simmering them in a rich tomato sauce. They’re popular across Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
🛒 Ingredients
For the rolls:
- 1 large head of Cabbage
- 500g ground beef or lamb
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
For the sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups water or broth
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
👨🍳 Instructions
1) Prepare the cabbage
- Boil a large pot of water.
- Carefully remove cabbage leaves.
- Blanch leaves for 2–3 minutes until soft and flexible.
- Set aside to cool.
2) Make the filling
In a bowl, mix:
- ground meat
- cooked rice
- onion
- garlic
- salt, pepper, paprika, parsley
Mix until well combined.
3) Roll the cabbage
- Place a cabbage leaf flat.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of filling.
- Fold sides in and roll tightly like a burrito.
4) Prepare the sauce
In a pot or baking dish, mix:
- tomato sauce
- tomato paste
- water or broth
- seasoning
5) Cook the rolls
Stovetop method:
- Place rolls seam-side down in the pot.
- Cover with sauce.
- Simmer on low heat for 1.5–2 hours.
Oven method:
- Bake covered at 180°C (350°F) for 1.5–2 hours.
🍽️ Serving tips
- Serve with sour cream or yogurt
- Add fresh herbs on top
- Best enjoyed warm the next day (flavors deepen)
🔥 Tips for best results
- Don’t overstuff the leaves or they may tear
- Use slightly cooled rice so filling isn’t mushy
- Let rolls rest before serving for better flavor
If you want, I can also give you:
- a vegetarian stuffed cabbage recipe
- or a Middle Eastern-style version (with lemon and spices)
- or a quick 1-hour shortcut method
