Perfect stuffed cabbage rolls
Description
The recipe won't take much time. You can prepare perfect cabbage rolls either on the stovetop or in the oven. If you follow the recipe, the dish will turn out equally delicious either way. Although cabbage rolls require some time and a certain skill, they're actually not that difficult to make, and the result will delight everyone! It's very convenient, considering the time involved, to prepare them on Saturday or Sunday. I recommend increasing the quantity of ingredients and making a large batch at once. You can freeze part of them to use as semi-finished products during the workweek, and immediately stew the other part in a flavorful tomato-sour cream sauce. There can be many variations for the filling. I suggest trying my suggested version the first time, then experimenting with others later. Give it a try—your family will be delighted! Serve hot.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare all the necessary ingredients. You can pre-cook the rice until half-done, then rinse and drain it using a sieve or colander. If the rice is raw, it will absorb all the moisture during cooking and the filling may turn out dry; if it's fully cooked, the filling will resemble porridge.
- 2
Step 2
Remove the outer damaged leaves from the cabbage and rinse the head. Cut out the core with a knife.
- 3
Step 3
Wrap the cabbage head in a bag and place it in the microwave for 10-15 minutes. Then carefully remove the soft leaves.
- 4
Step 4
Place back in the microwave for 5 minutes and remove the soft leaves. Continue this process until you have the desired number of leaves.
- 5
Step 5
Sauté grated carrots and diced onion in vegetable oil. Do not overcook the vegetables; just cook until they become soft.
- 6
Step 6
In a deep bowl, combine the minced meat, sautéed vegetables, and rice cooked until half-done. Season the filling with salt to taste and add your favorite spices. Mix thoroughly.
- 7
Step 7
Trim the thickened parts on the cabbage leaves and lightly pound them with a mallet.
- 8
Step 8
Place part of the filling on the edge of the sheet.
- 9
Step 9
Fold into a triangle.
- 10
Step 10
Thus, form all the cabbage rolls.
- 11
Step 11
Sear the cabbage rolls until golden brown on both sides, and to prevent splattering and ensure even heating, be sure to cover the pan with a lid. Place the seared cabbage rolls into a deep, thick-bottomed dish.
- 12
Step 12
Separately mix the sour cream, tomato paste, and flour. Stir and gradually pour in the water in a thin stream. Season the sauce with salt to taste; you can add 1 teaspoon of sugar. Pour the prepared sauce over the fried cabbage rolls and simmer for about 40 minutes after boiling, over low heat.
- 13
Step 13
Perfect stuffed cabbage rolls are ready.
- 14
Step 14
Serve hot.
- 15
Step 15
Done.