Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

In the Eastern European adaptation of Niños envueltos, the dish is known as Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. While the core concept of using cabbage leaves as a wrapper remains the same, the Eastern European version incorporates different ingredients and flavors. The original Argentinian dish often includes a filling of ground beef, rice, and vegetables, while the Eastern European version typically uses a combination of ground meat, rice, onions, and herbs. Additionally, the Eastern European version is simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, which adds a distinct flavor profile to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Niños envueltos, 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
• 250g (0.55 lb) ground pork 250g (0.55 lb) ground pork
• 1 cup (200g) cooked rice 1 cup (200g) cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 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, or until the outer leaves are tender and pliable. Remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool slightly.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, 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. Add the stuffed cabbage rolls, seam side down, and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Pour the tomato mixture over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are fully submerged.
7. 7.
   Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   Serve the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls hot, spooning some of the tomato sauce over each roll. Optionally, garnish with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cabbage — Choose a large head of cabbage with firm leaves. Carefully blanching the cabbage leaves will make them pliable and easier to roll.
• Ground meat — Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a flavorful filling. Ensure the meat is well-seasoned and mixed with the other ingredients for even distribution of flavors.
• Tomato sauce — The tangy tomato sauce is a key component of this dish. Use crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to achieve a rich and flavorful sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing while rolling, blanch them for the appropriate amount of time until they are pliable.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with a mixture of cooked lentils and mushrooms for a delicious plant-based filling.
• 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 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls hot, accompanied by a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls on a platter, spooning some of the tomato sauce over each roll. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.