Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cabbage:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Carefully remove the core from the cabbage. Submerge the whole head in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, until the leaves are pliable.
   • Remove the cabbage and let it cool. Peel off about 12 leaves and trim the thick part of the stem for easier rolling.
2. Make the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
   • Take a cabbage leaf, place about 2-3 tablespoons of filling at the base of the leaf. Roll it tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook the Rolls:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Spread a thin layer of the sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.
   • Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls.
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the rolls are cooked through.
6. Serve:
   • Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. They’re great on their own or with a dollop of sour cream!

Enjoy your delicious stuffed cabbage rolls!