Make the sauce: First step is to place a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the aromatics in oil, then, add the tomatoes, tomato-based ingredients, and seasonings. Next, add in the rest of the sauce ingredients and allow it to simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Prepare the leaves: Put the head of cabbage in a large pot of boiling water and cook cabbage for about 3 to 5 minutes. After that, remove the cooked cabbage and once the outer leaves are flexible enough to work with, peel off about 12 leaves.
Assemble: Next, in a large bowl combine the rice filling ingredients along with some of the tomato sauce. After that, lay a prepared leaf flat on a flat surface and using a paring knife or sharp knife, slice the thick vein or otherwise called thick rib. Afterward, put the meat mixture onto the bottom of each leaf and roll away. Do this repeatedly until you consume the leaves and the filling.
Prepare for baking: Thereafter, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan.
Bake: Pour half of the sauce into the bottom of the pan and line up the cabbage rolls seam side down. Then, pour the remaining sauce on top and cover the pan with foil. Finally, bake until thoroughly cooked. Keep in mind that the filling must be thoroughly cooked, and it takes about an hour to finish cooking. Therefore, make sure to start checking after 45 minutes or so.
Recipe variations:
Ground Meats: An option is to use your favorite meat in these, while we used beef, ground pork, chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage work as well.
Grains: Alternatively, use brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, couscous, or lentils.
Vegetarian: Also, if you want a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with more grains, and also beans.
Veggies: Similarly, add more very finely chopped veggies to the filling, like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Spicy: Try adding some heat to these by mixing in some chili powder or Sriracha sauce.
Flavors: Also, try playing with the seasonings to add more flavors, for example, add some Taco Seasoning or Cajun Seasoning.Also, drizzle with a bit of lemon juice for a refreshing flavor.
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