Ukrainian-style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

In this Ukrainian adaptation of Nicanores de Boñar, we replace the Spanish flavors with traditional Ukrainian ingredients and spices. Instead of using Spanish chorizo, we use Ukrainian smoked sausage for a smoky and rich flavor. The tomato sauce is enhanced with Ukrainian herbs like dill and parsley, adding a fresh and vibrant taste. Additionally, we incorporate rice into the filling, a common ingredient in Ukrainian cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Nicanores de Boñar, so you can check it out.

• 1 large head of cabbage 1 large head of cabbage
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 200g (7 oz) Ukrainian smoked sausage, diced 200g (7 oz) Ukrainian smoked sausage, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (235ml) beef broth 1 cup (235ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the outer leaves are tender and pliable. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced smoked sausage, fresh dill, fresh parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Gently separate the cabbage leaves, being careful not to tear them. Place a spoonful of the meat and rice mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go.
5. 5.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot. Pour the tomato sauce and beef broth over the rolls, ensuring they are fully covered.
6. 6.
   Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the cabbage rolls are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Ukrainian-style stuffed cabbage rolls hot, spooning some of the tomato sauce over each roll.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cabbage — Be careful not to overcook the cabbage leaves during blanching, as they should remain pliable for rolling.
• Ukrainian smoked sausage — Choose a high-quality smoked sausage for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with smoked bacon or omit it entirely for a lighter version.
• Tomato sauce — Opt for a tomato sauce with no added sugar for a healthier option.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the cabbage leaves more pliable, you can freeze the whole head of cabbage overnight and then thaw it before blanching.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of cooked lentils and mushrooms.
• Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream for an authentic Ukrainian touch.
• Leftover cabbage rolls can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to deepen and meld together even more.

Serving advice

Serve the Ukrainian-style stuffed cabbage rolls as a main dish, accompanied by a side of mashed potatoes or boiled buckwheat. Garnish with fresh dill and parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls on a platter, spooning some of the tomato sauce over them. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.