Delicious Romanian Cabbage Rolls
Embark on a culinary journey to Romania with this traditional and sumptuous Cabbage Rolls recipe. These hearty rolls, filled with a delightful mixture of ground pork, rice, and spices, offer a taste of Romanian warmth and hospitality. Their tender leaves and flavorful stuffing are complimented by a tangy tomato sauce, making this a memorable and deeply satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner for two, this recipe combines robust Eastern European flavors with a contemporary cooking twist.
Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert
Preparation Time: 30 minutes, Cooking Time: 90 minutes
Ingredients
- 200g Cabbage leaves
- 200g Ground pork
- 100g White rice
- 100g Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of Garlic, minced
- 50g Bacon, chopped
- 100g Tomato paste
- 10g Dill, chopped
- 2 Bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1g Paprika
- 10g Olive oil
Method
- Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften. Drain and set aside.
- In a pan, sauté the bacon in olive oil until crispy, add the onion, and garlic, and cook until translucent.
- In a bowl, mix ground pork, rice, sautéed bacon, onion, garlic, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place a spoonful of the pork mixture on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly, tucking the edges in.
- In a pot, layer the cabbage rolls, add the bay leaves, and pour in the tomato paste diluted with water until the rolls are covered.
- Simmer on low heat for 90 minutes until the rolls are tender and the flavors meld.
- Remove bay leaves and serve hot.
Tips
- For a deeper flavor, prepare the rolls a day in advance and let them sit in the fridge. Reheat gently to serve.
- Adjust the spices and salt to taste, adding a dash of paprika for a light hint of heat.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 150 Calories (628 kJ) | 450 Calories (1884 kJ) |
| Fat | 10g | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 30g |
| Sugars | 2g | 6g |
| Proteins | 10g | 30g |
| Salt | 1g | 3g |
