Savory Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls Stuffed with Flavorful Meat Filling

Ukrainian Meat Cabbage Rolls

Overview

Indulge in the warm, hearty flavors of Ukrainian Meat Cabbage Rolls, a traditional dish that brings together tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. This delightful recipe from lovewithrecipes.com offers a perfect blend of meat, spices, and vegetables, delivering comfort in every bite.

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to create this flavorful dish, presented in a convenient table for easy reference:

Nutritional Information

Instructions

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey as you craft these delightful cabbage rolls. Follow these detailed steps to achieve the perfect dish:

1. Sauté the Onion: Begin by melting a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and allow to cool.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs (or cooked rice), cooled sautéed onion, egg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is cohesive.

3. Prepare the Cabbage: Carefully core the head of savoy cabbage. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, gently place the cabbage head into the pot and cook for about 2 minutes. As the outer leaves soften and become translucent, use a wooden spoon to pry them off one by one. Set the leaves aside to cool.

4. Trim the Leaves: Once you have removed the leaves, you may notice that the rib at the base of each leaf is quite thick. Using a knife, carefully trim this part to make the leaves more pliable for rolling.

5. Assemble the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease the bottom of a large baking dish and line it with the outer cabbage leaves to prevent sticking. Take one cabbage leaf and place a large spoonful of the meat filling at the stem end. Fold the sides over the filling, and then roll it up from the bottom to the top, ensuring the filling is securely enclosed. Repeat this process until all the filling is used.

6. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the rolled cabbage in the prepared baking dish seam side down. Once all the rolls are in the dish, pour just enough tomato juice or stock over them to cover the bottom of the dish. For added flavor and moisture, layer extra cabbage leaves on top, then cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.

7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and allow the rolls to bake for 1 hour. If using a pressure cooker, cook the rolls at 10 pounds pressure for 20 minutes, which will yield tender results in less time.

8. Make the Sauce: While the cabbage rolls are baking, prepare the sauce by mixing the flour and sour cream in a small bowl. Gradually add hot broth from the baking dish, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook this mixture on the stovetop for a few minutes until it thickens into a creamy sauce.

9. Serve: Once the cabbage rolls are done baking, arrange them on a serving platter. Pour the creamy sauce generously over the rolls, and sprinkle with freshly chopped dill for a burst of flavor and color.

10. Accompaniments: These delicious cabbage rolls can be served alongside homemade noodles or traditional millet kasha, complementing their rich taste perfectly.

Conclusion

Ukrainian Meat Cabbage Rolls are a beloved dish that captures the essence of comfort food. With their savory filling and tender cabbage, they are not only satisfying but also a dish that can bring families together. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to delight everyone at the table. Enjoy making and sharing this wonderful dish from lovewithrecipes.com!