Stuffed Nappa Cabbage

Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large Napa cabbage
• 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Immerse the whole Napa cabbage in the boiling water, and carefully peel off the leaves one by one as they become pliable. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the filling.
4. Place a portion of the meat and rice filling onto the center of each cabbage leaf. Roll the leaves, tucking in the sides, to create stuffed cabbage rolls.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together tomato sauce, olive oil, sugar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the sauce.
6. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls in a baking dish, seam side down. Pour the tomato sauce over the rolls, ensuring they are well-covered.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
8. Serve the Stuffed Napa Cabbage hot, spooning extra sauce over the rolls, if desired.

Enjoy this classic and hearty dish that brings together the delicate taste of Napa cabbage with a flavorful meat and rice filling.