Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls with Pork Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sour cabbage leaves
• 2 pounds ground pork
• 1/2 cup long grain rice (uncooked, such as basmati or jasmine)
• 1 large onion, chopped or grated
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces bacon or other smoked meats (such as smoked sausage or hock)
• 4 cups tomato juice

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare Cabbage Leaves: Place the sour cabbage leaves in a large bowl and soak them in cold water for a few minutes to reduce excess saltiness. Drain the water and cut any overly large leaves in half to make smaller rolls.

2. 2

   Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, uncooked rice, chopped onion, fresh dill, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well by hand, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Use salt sparingly due to the saltiness of the sour cabbage.

3. 3

   Form Cabbage Rolls: Spoon about two tablespoons of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the ends to fully enclose the filling. Repeat this process until all the meat and leaves are used.

4. 4

   Arrange in Crockpot: Chop any remaining cabbage and spread it evenly on the bottom of the crockpot. Arrange the prepared cabbage rolls on top, then place the smoked meat over the rolls if using.

5. 5

   Add Tomato Juice: Pour all the tomato juice over the cabbage rolls and cover the crockpot with its lid.

6. 6

   Slow Cook: Cook the cabbage rolls on the low setting for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the rolls are tender and fully cooked.

7. 7

   Serve hot with polenta or mashed potatoes and a dollop of sour cream for a delicious traditional finish.