Savory Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls: Grandma’s Heritage Delight 🥬

Stuffed Cabbage (Ukrainian Prockus) Recipe

Overview

🕒 Cook Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 3 hours
🥩 Recipe Category: Meat
🔍 Keywords: Russian, European, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 4 Hours
🍽️ Recipe Servings: 12 golf ball-sized balls

Description

Indulge in the rich culinary heritage of Ukraine with this delightful recipe for Stuffed Cabbage, known as Ukrainian Prockus. Passed down through generations, this dish embodies the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals. It’s a testament to the fusion of flavors from the Old World to the New, originating from Smela Gubernyia, near Cherkassy and Kiev. Prepared with care and attention to detail, it’s an ABSOLUTE DELIGHT that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more!

Ingredients

• 2 cups jellied cranberry sauce
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 2 cups tap water
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup white raisins
• 2 heads green cabbage
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 3/4 cup raw rice
• 1 egg
• 3 saltine crackers, soaked and squeezed dry
• 1 onion, grated
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

1. Combine the cranberry sauce, tomato sauce, 2 cups tap water, and brown sugar in a saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the white raisins.
4. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

2. Prepare the Cabbage

1. Core the heads of cabbage and place them into a large pot.
2. Cover the cabbage with boiling water and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until the leaves are tender.
3. Remove the cabbage from the hot water and transfer it to a bowl of cold water to cool.
4. Separate the cabbage leaves, ensuring they are pliable for stuffing.
5. If needed, return the inner half of the cabbage to the hot water to soften the leaves further.
6. Once all the cabbage leaves are softened, transfer them to the bowl of cold water.

3. Prepare the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, raw rice, egg, soaked saltine crackers, grated onion, warm water, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

4. Stuff the Cabbage

1. Take a cabbage leaf and place a generous portion of the meat mixture at the base.
2. Roll the leaf, tucking in the sides to secure the filling.
3. Repeat the process until all the meat mixture is used, forming large golf ball-sized balls.

5. Bake the Stuffed Cabbage

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the stuffed cabbage balls in a deep roasting pan.
3. Pour the prepared sauce over the stuffed cabbage, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Cover the pan with a lid or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
6. After 1 hour, remove the cover and continue baking for an additional hour, allowing the flavors to intensify and the cabbage to caramelize.
7. Once baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

6. Serve or Freeze

1. Enjoy the Stuffed Cabbage immediately, savoring each delectable bite.
2. Alternatively, you can freeze the leftovers for future enjoyment, ensuring you always have a taste of Ukrainian tradition at hand.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 460.6
• Fat Content: 12.3g
  • Saturated Fat Content: 4.7g
• Cholesterol Content: 66.9mg
• Sodium Content: 531.9mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 72g
  • Fiber Content: 6.6g
  • Sugar Content: 53.5g
• Protein Content: 19g

Conclusion

Delve into the rich tapestry of Ukrainian cuisine with this timeless recipe for Stuffed Cabbage. With each bite, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that pay homage to generations of culinary tradition. Whether served fresh from the oven or enjoyed as a comforting leftover, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite among family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the heritage, and indulge in the deliciousness of Ukrainian Prockus!