Zapechennye Golubtsy: Baked Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
History and Background
Zapechennye Golubtsy, also known as baked stuffed cabbage rolls, is a traditional dish deeply rooted in Eastern European culinary traditions. This hearty dish is often associated with celebrations and family gatherings. Each region and even family has its own variation, but the core concept of wrapping flavorful fillings in cabbage leaves remains the same.
Ingredients
- Cabbage - 1 large head
- Ground beef - 500g
- Ground pork - 300g
- Rice - 1 cup, cooked
- Onion - 1 large, diced
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato sauce - 2 cups
- Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
- Dill - 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Parsley - 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Salt - to taste
- Pepper - to taste
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Sour cream - optional, for serving
Preparation
Preparing the Cabbage
Begin by carefully removing the cabbage leaves, trying to keep them intact. Boil a large pot of water and blanch the leaves for about 2-3 minutes, until they are pliable. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated.
Assembly
Take each prepared cabbage leaf and place a heaping tablespoon of the meat mixture at the center. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly to enclose the filling.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cooking Process
In a skillet, heat olive oil and lightly sear each roll on both sides. This step adds great flavor to the rolls before baking. Arrange the seared rolls snugly in a baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce and tomato paste and pour over the rolls, ensuring they are well covered.
Baking
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour. After an hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes for a nice top layer.
The full cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to become tender.
Serving Suggestions
These delicious Zapechennye Golubtsy can be served with a dollop of sour cream on the side for added creaminess. Garnish with freshly chopped dill and parsley to enhance the flavors even further.
Enjoy your meal with family and friends, celebrating the authenticity and warmth of Eastern European cuisine.