PREPARATION METHOD:
1st Step
Start the water boiling in a big saucepan. Carefully place the cored cabbage into the boiling water and simmer for three to five minutes, or until the outer leaves are soft. Take off the leaves when they get pliable and lay them aside to cool.
2nd Step
Cool water should be used to rinse the rice. Mix the ground beef, uncooked rice, onion, garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper together in a basin. Combine well by mixing.
3rd Step
Fill the middle of a single cabbage leaf with the meat mixture. The leaf is rolled up into a tidy bundle by first folding in the sides. To fill all the leaves, repeat the process.
4th Step
Put the tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, raisins (if using), salt, and pepper in a different bowl. Add the crushed tomatoes and mix them together. Blend carefully to make a tasty condiment.
5th Step
Cover the bottom of a big pot with a thick base with a thin layer of tomato sauce. Place the cabbage rolls on top, nestling them closely together.
6th Step
Cover the cabbage rolls with the leftover tomato sauce. Cook, covered, over low heat for 1.5-2 hours, or until the cabbage leaves are soft and the contents are heated through.
7th Step
Using a spatula, carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the saucepan while taking care not to deform them. Serve them up and dollop some of the tomato sauce on top. Enjoy this classic meal when it’s hot and indulge in the warm, satisfying flavors.
RECIPE TIPS:
To ensure the cabbage leaves are tender and pliable, you can gently steam them instead of boiling them.
Customize the filling with a blend of different meats or add herbs and spices for a personalized touch.
Leftover cabbage rolls can be refrigerated for up to three days, and they often taste even better after being reheated.
