Braunschweiger Kohlrouladen
The Braunschweiger Kohlrouladen is a delightful German dish that combines the earthy goodness of cabbage with the rich and savory taste of liver sausage. This recipe hails from the traditional kitchens of Braunschweig, a city in Lower Saxony, Germany. It beautifully showcases the German art of transforming simple ingredients into hearty, comforting meals perfect for family gatherings. The dish combines cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of Braunschweiger, rice, and onion, simmered gently in a flavorful sauce until tender.
Ingredients
- Cabbage - 1 large head
- Braunschweiger - 12 ounces
- Rice - 1 cup, cooked
- Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
- Egg - 1 large
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Salt - to taste
- Pepper - to taste
- Butter - 2 tablespoons
- Flour - 2 tablespoons
- Chicken broth - 2 cups
- Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
- Bay leaf - 1
- Thyme - 1 teaspoon
- Paprika - 1 teaspoon
Preparation
Begin by preparing the cabbage. Gently remove the outer leaves until you reach the core. Cut a small incision around the base to help loosen the leaves when steaming. In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add salt, and submerge the cabbage head. Steam it lightly to soften the leaves, which takes about 5 minutes for pliability.
Stuffing and Rolling the Cabbage
- In a large bowl, combine the Braunschweiger, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Take each softened cabbage leaf and place about a tablespoon of the filling mixture at the base. Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the sides to secure the filling. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
Cooking the Cabbage Rolls
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in flour until the mixture is smooth and slightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and tomato paste. Add the bay leaf, thyme, and paprika.
- Place the cabbage rolls in a single layer in the skillet. Cover and simmer gently for 45-60 minutes, or until the cabbage leaves are tender and the flavors have melded. Check periodically and add more broth if necessary to maintain the sauce level.
Serving Suggestions
The Braunschweiger Kohlrouladen is best enjoyed with a side of mashed potatoes or a light green salad. The dish pairs beautifully with a glass of German beer or a dry white wine. Serve these succulent rolls hot, topped with the savory sauce from the pan.
Not only is this dish a feast for the taste buds, but it also makes for a wonderful presentation at the dinner table. Share this hearty meal with loved ones and delight in the rich flavors of traditional German cuisine.