Easy Cabbage Roll Recipe
This easy cabbage roll recipe is a warm, satisfying dish made with soft cabbage leaves filled with a tasty mixture and simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce. It is simple to prepare, uses basic ingredients, and delivers a warm, homemade taste that is perfect for everyday meals or special family dinners.
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling cabbage)
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking dish or deep pan
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls
• 1 large green cabbage (whole head)
• 500 grams ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or dill
For the Sauce
• 2 cups of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Salt and spices to taste
Instructions
1. Remove the core from the cabbage and boil the whole head until the leaves soften, then carefully separate them without tearing.
2. In a bowl, mix ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and herbs until just combined.
3. Place a portion of filling on each cabbage leaf, fold the sides inward, and roll tightly to secure.
4. Start by heating olive oil in a pan, add garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasoning, and let it simmer to bring out bold flavors.
5. Arrange the rolls in a pan, pour the sauce over them, cover, and cook until the rolls are tender and fully cooked.
Notes
- Use soft cabbage leaves to make rolling easier and prevent cracks.
- Avoid adding too much filling so the rolls stay neatly closed.
- Roll tightly to keep the shape intact while cooking.
- Add extra sauce if needed to keep the rolls moist and juicy.
- Let the dish rest briefly before serving to enhance flavor.
- Store leftovers properly to enjoy later without losing taste.