Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Flavorful Classic

Italian cuisine is known for its comforting, hearty dishes, and Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are no exception. This dish features tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, herbs, and Parmesan, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, these cabbage rolls offer a delicious blend of flavors and textures.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making authentic Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls from scratch.

Ingredients

🥬 For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large green cabbage
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef, pork, or a mix
• ½ cup uncooked rice (long grain or arborio)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

🍅 For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp oregano
• Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2️⃣ Carefully remove the outer leaves from the cabbage and place them in the boiling water. Boil for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
3️⃣ Transfer the leaves to a colander and let them cool.
4️⃣ Trim the thick central rib of each leaf with a sharp knife to make rolling easier.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, uncooked rice, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley.
2️⃣ Mix until well incorporated but don’t overmix—this keeps the filling tender.

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