This delicious cabbage dish is sure to impress your guests with its flavorful filling and creamy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe transforms simple cabbage leaves into a gourmet delight.
Ingredients:
- Cabbage: 1 head
- Minced meat: 1.5 kg
- Salt: 15 g
- Black pepper: 7 g
- Eggs: 2
- Hard cheese: 100 g, grated
- Bacon: 350 g, sliced
- Tray: Diameter 25 cm
For the Sauce:
- Cheese cream: 100 g
- Sweet cooking cream: 120 g
- Dill: 7 g, chopped
- Salt: 5 g
- Pickled cucumbers: 70 g, finely chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Mustard: 20 g
Instructions:
Prepare the Cabbage:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Blanch Cabbage:
- Core the cabbage and blanch the whole head in boiling water for about 10 minutes to soften the leaves.
- Carefully separate the leaves and set aside.
Prepare the Filling:
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix the minced meat with salt, black pepper, eggs, and grated hard cheese until well combined.
- Roll Cabbage:
- Take a cabbage leaf, place a portion of the meat mixture in the center, and roll the leaf to enclose the filling.
- Repeat with the remaining leaves and meat mixture.
Assemble the Dish:
- Line Tray:
- Line the bottom of a 25 cm diameter baking tray with bacon slices.
- Arrange Rolls:
- Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the tray, arranging them in a circular pattern.
- Cover with Bacon:
- Cover the top with more bacon slices.
Bake:
- Cover and Bake:
- Cover the tray with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a saucepan, combine cheese cream, sweet cooking cream, chopped dill, salt, finely chopped pickled cucumbers, minced garlic, and mustard.
- Heat and Stir:
- Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Serve:
- Plate and Garnish:
- Remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Serve hot, drizzled with the creamy sauce and garnished with additional chopped dill if desired.
Additional Information:
Nutritional Benefits:
- Cabbage: Rich in vitamins C and K, and high in fiber.
- Minced Meat: Provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients.
- Cheese: Adds calcium and protein to the dish.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls:
- Blanching: Ensure the cabbage leaves are blanched just enough to make them pliable without overcooking.
- Even Filling: Distribute the meat mixture evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Baking: Covering the tray with aluminum foil helps keep the rolls moist and prevents the bacon from burning.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Sauce: Serve the cabbage rolls with a generous drizzle of the creamy dill sauce.
- Side Dishes: Pair with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions as an elegant appetizer at your next dinner party.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion:
This cabbage dish, filled with savory minced meat and topped with crispy bacon, is a showstopper that is sure to delight your guests. The creamy dill sauce adds a rich and tangy flavor, making each bite irresistible. Enjoy this classic recipe that combines tradition with delicious, hearty flavors!