Savory Savoy Cabbage Rolls Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s packed with flavor, these savory Savoy cabbage rolls are just what you need. With tender leaves wrapping around a delicious filling, they’re perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home. The combination of ingredients creates a satisfying meal that will delight your taste buds.
These cabbage rolls are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the filling to your liking. You can use ground meat, rice, or even lentils for a vegetarian option. The savory tomato sauce complements the rolls beautifully, adding a rich flavor that ties everything together.
Whether you’re serving them for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests, these cabbage rolls are sure to be a hit. Each bite delivers a taste of comfort, warmth, and home-cooked goodness.
Understanding Savoy Cabbage
Savoy cabbage is known for its crinkled, tender leaves and mild flavor, making it a delightful choice for various dishes.
Its texture allows for easy rolling, which is ideal for creating stuffed cabbage rolls. The leaves become pliable when blanched, ensuring a sturdy wrap for the delicious filling.
This type of cabbage not only adds a unique aesthetic but also contributes essential nutrients, making your meals both appealing and wholesome.
The Hearty Filling
The filling is where creativity can truly shine. A blend of ground meat, rice, and spices provides a hearty component that enhances the overall flavor profile of the cabbage rolls.
For those preferring a vegetarian option, substituting meat with lentils or beans can yield satisfying results. The spices, especially paprika and garlic, infuse the filling with depth, while the cooked rice adds texture.
Feel free to experiment with herbs or additional vegetables to tailor the filling to your liking, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Creating the Tomato Sauce
A rich tomato sauce is essential for bringing all the elements of the dish together. Using canned tomato sauce as a base offers convenience while providing a deliciously tangy flavor.
Enhancing the sauce with broth adds depth, creating a luscious environment for the cabbage rolls to simmer in as they bake.
This sauce not only contributes moisture but also seeps into the rolls, ensuring that each bite is flavorful and enjoyable.
Assembling the Cabbage Rolls
The assembly process is straightforward and can be a fun activity, especially when preparing meals with family or friends. Begin with a blanched cabbage leaf, then place the filling at the bottom and roll it up tightly.
It’s important to fold in the sides to secure the filling, ensuring that nothing escapes during cooking. Arranging the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish allows them to hold their shape while absorbing the delicious sauce.
This step not only enhances the visual appeal but also aids in even cooking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Baking and Serving
Baking the cabbage rolls enveloped in sauce transforms the ingredients, allowing them to harmonize. Covering the dish initially helps retain moisture, while removing the foil towards the end thickens the sauce.
As they bake, the aroma fills the kitchen, creating an enticing atmosphere that invites everyone to the table. Once done, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish, adding a pop of color and freshness.
These cabbage rolls can be served hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad, making for a comforting meal that warms the soul.
Delicious Savoy Cabbage Rolls
Savoy cabbage rolls are a wholesome dish made with tender Savoy cabbage leaves filled with a hearty mixture of meat, rice, and spices, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. They offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors that is both satisfying and nourishing.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of Savoy cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup broth (chicken or vegetable)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently remove the leaves from the Savoy cabbage and blanch them in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Rolls: Take a cabbage leaf and place a generous spoonful of the filling near the bottom. Fold the sides over and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Arrange in a Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce and broth over the rolls.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
