Romanian Cabbage Rolls with Bacon
Experience the heartwarming sensory delight of Eastern European cuisine with our Romanian Cabbage Rolls, a harmonious blend of ground meat, rice, and aromatic herbs, all enveloped in tender cabbage leaves, and beautifully adorned with the smoky essence of bacon and a rich tomato sauce. This classic Romanian dish is perfect for a rich and satisfying dinner for two, providing a delicious and nutritious culinary adventure.
Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert
Preparation Time: 30 minutes, Cooking Time: 1.5 hours
Ingredients
- 4 large cabbage leaves
- 200 grams ground pork
- 100 grams rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 100 grams bacon, chopped
- 100 grams tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dill, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Method
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the cabbage leaves for about 3 minutes, until softened. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Add the ground pork to the pan and cook until browned.
- Stir in the rice, and cook for additional 2 minutes, mixing well with the meat.
- Add paprika, dill, salt, and pepper to taste, and combine well.
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about a quarter of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the edges over and roll tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
- In a large pot, heat the remaining olive oil and sauté the bacon until slightly crispy, then place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot.
- In a small bowl, combine the tomato paste with 200 ml of water, and pour over the cabbage rolls. Add bay leaves.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for about 1.5 hours until the cabbage is tender and flavors are well melded.
Tips
- For a more intense flavor, let the cabbage rolls rest for a day in the fridge before reheating and serving.
- Replace some of the pork with beef for a heartier taste.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste with additional dill and paprika for a stronger aromatic and spicy flavor.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 200 kcal / 836 kJ | 600 kcal / 2508 kJ |
| Fat | 12g | 36g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 54g |
| Sugars | 3g | 9g |
| Protein | 10g | 30g |
| Salt | 1g | 3g |
