When you’re in the mood for a comforting and hearty meal, these pork stuffed cabbage rolls are a fantastic choice. Packed with a delicious filling, they bring a taste of home-cooked goodness to your table. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, these rolls are sure to impress.
Imagine tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful mixture of seasoned pork, rice, and herbs, all simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. Each bite is a delightful blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors, making them a dish that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing.
These cabbage rolls are not just a meal; they’re a warm embrace on a plate. The preparation is straightforward, and the result is a dish that feels both rustic and refined.
Preparation of Cabbage Rolls
To create a delightful batch of pork stuffed cabbage rolls, start with the cabbage. Boil a large pot of salted water and remove the core from the cabbage head.
Once the water is boiling, place the whole cabbage in for 2-3 minutes to soften the leaves. After that, carefully remove it and allow it to cool before peeling off the tender leaves.
Creating the Flavorful Filling
The filling for these rolls is what lends them their unique taste. Combine ground pork with cooked rice, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic in a large bowl.
Add in dried thyme, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to complete the mixture. Mixing these ingredients well ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Assembling the Rolls
Now it’s time to assemble the rolls. Take a cabbage leaf and lay it flat on your working surface. At the base of the leaf, place a generous tablespoon of the prepared pork filling.
Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly. Repeat this process until you have used all the leaves and filling. Careful rolling is essential to keep the filling secure during cooking.
Cooking the Cabbage Rolls
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the rolls seam-side down in the pan. It’s important to place them snugly, as this helps them hold their shape.
Pour a generous amount of tomato sauce over the rolls and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and allow them to cook for about 30-40 minutes, ensuring the pork is fully cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, these rolls can be garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them hot, alongside a slice of crusty bread.
This combination not only adds texture but also enhances the overall dining experience, making it a comforting option for any meal.
Nutrition and Serving Information
These pork stuffed cabbage rolls yield around four servings, making them suitable for sharing with family or friends.
Each roll is approximately 290 calories, containing 15g of fat, 20g of protein, and 22g of carbohydrates. This nutritional profile makes them a balanced choice for a hearty meal.
Delicious Pork Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
These pork stuffed cabbage rolls are filled with a mixture of ground pork, rice, and spices, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and cooked in a rich tomato sauce. They offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, until the leaves soften. Remove the cabbage and let it cool. Gently peel off the leaves.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a surface. Place a generous tablespoon of the pork filling at the base of the leaf, fold the sides over, and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Cook the Rolls: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Place the rolls seam-side down in the skillet. Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 30-40 minutes, until the pork is cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. These rolls pair beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 rolls
- Calories: 290kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
