Hearty Baked Savory Cabbage Rolls: a Comforting Classic

Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage (about 2-3 pounds / 900-1350 grams)
• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup (185 grams) cooked white rice or brown rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) paprika
• 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Core the cabbage and blanch the leaves for 2-3 minutes until tender. Remove leaves and set aside to cool.

2. 2

   In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Mix until well combined.

3. 3

   Lay a cabbage leaf on a flat surface, place about 2-3 tablespoons of filling at the base, and roll tightly, tucking in the sides. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.

4. 4

   In a saucepan, heat olive oil and add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5-10 minutes; add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.

5. 5

   Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish and cover with remaining sauce.

6. 6

   Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to lightly brown tops.