This version of cabbage rolls offers a richly seasoned meat filling that enhances the traditional flavors of the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- chili sauce
- 1 egg
- beef broth
- diced tomatoes
- tomato soup
- tomato paste
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- dried thyme
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently remove the cabbage leaves and blanch them for 2 to 3 minutes until they are soft. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, mix together the beef, pork, rice, onion, garlic, and egg.
- Place about 1/3 cup of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides and roll tightly to form the cigars.
- Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of a Dutch oven or a large baking dish.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls in a single layer and pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover tightly and bake at 350°F for 2 hours.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Note: For an even richer flavor, replace half of the beef with ground veal. Cigars with cabbage are often better the next day, after the flavors have had time to develop.
