old fashioned cabbage rolls

Old-fashioned cabbage rolls, a traditional comfort dish, are a delightful combination of tender cabbage leaves filled with a seasoned mixture and cooked in a savory sauce. Here’s a classic recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork (or use all beef)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 cans (14 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head and place it in the boiling water.
   • Boil the cabbage for about 5-7 minutes until the outer leaves are softened. Remove the leaves gently with tongs as they become pliable. Set them aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Roll the Cabbage Rolls:
   • Place a portion of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf, then fold in the sides and roll tightly, similar to rolling a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, spread a layer of the crushed tomatoes.
   • Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot. Stack them if necessary, but try to keep them in a single layer.
   • In a bowl, mix together the remaining crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Pour this sauce over the cabbage rolls.
5. Simmer:
   • Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the flavors have melded. Check occasionally and add a little water if needed to prevent sticking.
6. Serve:
   • Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the pot with a slotted spoon. Place them on a serving platter and spoon some of the sauce over the top.
   • Serve the old-fashioned cabbage rolls hot, accompanied by additional sauce if desired.

These cabbage rolls are savory, comforting, and perfect for a satisfying meal. They often taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop further. Enjoy!