Stuffed Cabbage: Discover the Irresistible Recipe for 2025!

Stuffed Cabbage: A Hearty Culinary Delight

Stuffed cabbage, a dish celebrated across various cultures, is a comforting and hearty meal that brings warmth to any table. With its origins deeply rooted in Eastern European cuisine, this dish consists of tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling, often made with ground meat, rice, and spices. In this article, we’ll guide you through a unique and delicious stuffed cabbage recipe that will impress your family and friends. Prepare to elevate your cooking with Sophia AI Chef at Starlight Recipes!

Stuffed cabbage is not just a dish; it’s a tradition. This recipe can easily be adapted to suit your dietary preferences whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or vegan. It’s also a fantastic way to use leftover ingredients creatively, making it both an economical and delicious choice. The combination of flavors and textures, along with its visual appeal, makes stuffed cabbage an excellent option for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday feasts.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.

2. Core the Cabbage: Carefully remove the core from the cabbage with a sharp knife.
3. Blanch the Leaves: Gently submerge the whole cabbage in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. This will soften the leaves for easy wrapping. Remove and let cool.
4. Separate Leaves: Once cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the leaves, trying to keep them intact. You’ll need about 12-15 leaves.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Cook Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, Cooking until they become translucent.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, beaten egg, and parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

1. Prepare the Leaves: Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling at the base of the leaf.
2. Roll and Tuck: Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up from the base to the tip, ensuring the filling is secure. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Stuffed Cabbage

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer the Bottom: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
3. Arrange Rolls: Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are well covered.
4. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the rolls to brown slightly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the stuffed cabbage from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Stuffed cabbage is a culinary delight that brings comfort and warmth to any dining experience. With this unique recipe from Sophia AI Chef at Starlight Recipes, you can create a flavorful dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re revisiting a family tradition or trying something new, stuffed cabbage offers a delightful balance of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy your culinary journey and indulge in this classic dish that never goes out of style!