Ingredients:

• 500 g cabbage
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 200 g boiled rice
• 500 g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (to taste)
• 2 eggs
• 100 g flour
• 150 g semolina
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 200 ml water
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (for sautéing)

Steps to Make Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:

1. Prepare the Cabbage
   Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core of the cabbage and carefully place the whole cabbage head into the boiling water. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the outer leaves become tender and flexible. Remove the cabbage from the pot and peel off the softened leaves. Set the leaves aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Filling
   In a large bowl, combine the minced meat, boiled rice, chopped parsley, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. You can adjust the seasoning according to your taste. This mixture will form the stuffing for the cabbage rolls.
3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
   Lay one cabbage leaf flat and place a spoonful of the meat and rice mixture in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and then roll it up tightly. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
4. Coat the Rolls in Semolina and Flour
   In a shallow dish, combine the semolina and flour. Gently roll each stuffed cabbage in the mixture to coat it evenly. This step will help give the cabbage rolls a golden and slightly crisp exterior when they’re cooked.
5. Sauté the Vegetables
   Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Add the grated carrot, diced bell pepper, and chopped tomato, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Make the Tomato Sauce
   Stir in the tomato paste and water, ensuring everything is well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Simmer the Cabbage Rolls
   Gently place the prepared cabbage rolls into the skillet with the sauce. Cover the skillet and let the rolls simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
8. Add Sour Cream
   In the final 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the sour cream to the sauce, giving it a creamy texture and a rich flavor. Let the rolls simmer for a few more minutes to ensure the sour cream is fully incorporated.
9. Serve
   Once the cabbage rolls are fully cooked, remove them from the skillet and serve with a generous ladle of the tomato and sour cream sauce. Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg
• Sodium: 450 mg

Note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

FAQs:

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily replace the minced meat with a combination of mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat substitutes. The rice and seasoning will still provide the dish with great flavor.

2. Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Yes, red cabbage can be used, though it will impart a slightly different flavor and color to the dish. Just be sure to follow the same boiling process to soften the leaves.

3. How do I prevent the cabbage rolls from falling apart?
Make sure to roll the cabbage leaves tightly around the filling. If the leaves are too large, you can trim them down or double wrap the rolls for added security.

Tips for Making Perfect Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:

1. Choosing the Cabbage
   For the best results, choose a medium-sized cabbage with tender leaves. Larger cabbages might have tougher leaves, which can make rolling more difficult.
2. Boiling the Cabbage
   Don’t overboil the cabbage. You want the leaves to be pliable but not too soft, as they’ll continue to cook while simmering in the sauce.
3. Customize the Filling
   Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can add spices like paprika, cumin, or thyme for extra flavor. If you want a more tender texture, you can also add grated vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
4. Use Fresh Herbs
   Fresh parsley or dill adds a burst of flavor to the filling and the sauce. You can also experiment with other herbs like cilantro or oregano for a twist.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerating:
If you have leftovers, store the stuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making them even tastier the next day. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave-safe dish or gently warm them on the stove in their sauce.

Freezing:
Stuffed cabbage rolls freeze well, making them a great make-ahead meal. To freeze, let the cabbage rolls cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating the layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.

Conclusion:

These hearty stuffed cabbage rolls with a flavorful tomato and sour cream sauce are a true comfort food classic. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner or making a large batch to freeze for later, this recipe is sure to impress. The tender cabbage leaves envelop a delicious meat and rice filling, all brought together by the rich and creamy sauce. With a little patience and care, you’ll have a satisfying dish that will warm hearts and stomachs alike. Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures!