- **Cabbage Leaves**: Organic red or green cabbage leaves for the perfect texture.
- **Ground Meat Mixture**: Lean ground beef or turkey, providing a savory base.
- - *Keyword*: lean ground meat
- - *Keyword*: stuffed cabbage recipe
- **Vegetables**: Finely chopped onions, celery, and carrots, adding flavor and nutrition.
- - *Keyword*: finely chopped vegetables
- - *Keyword*: healthy stuffing ingredients
- **Herbs & Spices**: Fresh parsley, dill, salt, pepper, and garlic powder for enhanced taste.
- - *Keyword*: fresh herbs
- - *Keyword*: aromatic spices
- **Tomato Paste**: A small amount to enrich the flavor without adding excess liquid.
- - *Keyword*: tomato paste
- **Rice or Quinoa**: Cooked rice or quinoa for extra filling and texture (optional).
- - *Keyword*: stuffed cabbage with rice
- **Seasoning Mixes**: Italian seasoning blend or a homemade mix of thyme, oregano, basil to give a classic flavor.
- - *Keyword*: Italian seasoning
- - *Keyword*: homemade seasoning
- **Stock or Broth**: Chicken or vegetable stock for moistness (optional).
- - *Keyword*: chicken stock
- - *Keyword*: vegetarian broth
- **Aluminum Foil**: To wrap the cabbage rolls before baking, ensuring even cooking.
- - *Keyword*: aluminum foil wrapping
*Note: Ensure all ingredients are fresh and of good quality to achieve a delicious stuffed cabbage roll.*
Steps
### Best Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe: A Delicious, Hearty Dish
Stuffed cabbage rolls, also known as "sarma" in some cultures, are a classic dish that combines tender leaves of cabbage with a flavorful filling. This recipe will guide you through making perfect stuffed cabbage rolls that are both nutritious and satisfying.
#### Ingredients for Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 2 cups ground beef or turkey (or a mix)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- Olive oil for cooking
#### Steps to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:
**Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage**
1. **Clean and Separate Leaves**: Rinse a large head of cabbage under cold water, then separate the leaves gently.
2. **Blanching (Optional)**: If using fresh cabbage, blanch the outer leaves for about 3-5 minutes to soften them. This step is optional but can help make stuffing easier.
**Step 2: Make the Filling**
1. **Cook Onions**: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. **Combine Ingredients**: In a mixing bowl, add cooked onions to ground beef or turkey. Stir in chopped parsley, dill, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
3. **Add Tomato Paste**: Stir in tomato paste for added flavor and moisture.
**Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls**
1. **Fill Each Leaf**: Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface with the stem end facing you. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto one-third of the leaf, leaving space at the bottom.
2. **Roll the Leaves**: Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly towards the stem end to form a compact roll.
**Step 4: Cook the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls**
1. **Arrange in Pan**: Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large pot or baking dish.
2. **Add Broth**: Pour beef broth or water around the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3. **Cover and Simmer**: Cover the pot with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-2 hours until the cabbage is tender.
**Step 5: Serve**
1. **Taste and Adjust Seasoning**: Check the seasoning of your stuffed cabbage rolls before serving.
2. **Serve Hot**: Serve hot with additional sauce if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a touch of color.
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By following these detailed steps, you can create delicious and comforting stuffed cabbage rolls that are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the cooking process and savor the rich flavors of this traditional dish!