Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls are a traditional dish made by wrapping cooked cabbage leaves around a filling of seasoned ground meat and rice. Here's a recipe for cabbage rolls:

Ingredients:

For the cabbage rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork
• 1/2 cup uncooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) tomato sauce

For the tomato sauce:

• 1 can (14 ounces/400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cabbage by removing the tough outer leaves. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole cabbage head and cook for a few minutes until the outer leaves become pliable. Carefully remove the cabbage from the pot, and when it's cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the leaves one by one. Set them aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Take a cabbage leaf and place a small portion of the meat and rice mixture in the center (about 2-3 tablespoons). Roll the leaf over the filling, tucking in the sides as you go, to form a tight roll. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom to prevent the cabbage rolls from sticking. Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish, fitting them snugly together.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to prepare the tomato sauce. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls, covering them completely.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the cabbage rolls are cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the cabbage rolls to brown slightly.
9. Once done, remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cabbage rolls are often served with additional tomato sauce or sour cream on top. They can be enjoyed as a main dish accompanied by mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a side salad.

Note: Cabbage rolls can also be made vegetarian or with other fillings such as mushrooms or grains for different dietary preferences.