Mari’s Mom’s cabbage rolls

Sep. 9

Mari’s mom makes these cabbage rolls at least once a week. They really are so unique and wonderful, easy to make and so comforting and delicious. This recipe is perfect made ahead and warmed just before serving.

Ingredients

1 large head cabbage

1 ½ pounds extra-lean ground beef

2 cups rice (fragrant basmati rice is best)

1 ½ teaspoons sea salt

1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1 28-ounce can San Marzano whole tomatoes, chopped

½ cup 35% cream

Preparation

Cook rice according to package directions and set aside to cool enough to handle. Wash cabbage and discard outer leaves; slide chef’s knife lengthwise into all sides of the core and place in large stock pot of boiling water.

Cover and allow to boil for about 20 minutes or until cabbage is slightly tender. Remove from pot with large tongs and place in colander to drain and cool enough to handle. Remove leaves individually (discarding smaller leaves closest to the core) and set aside. Reserve cabbage water.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place ground beef, rice, salt and pepper in mixing bowl and mix by hand until well incorporated. Place approximately 2 heaping tablespoons mixture onto each cabbage leaf; roll up and place in large roasting pan. Add 2 cups reserved cabbage water and bake for 1 1/2 hours. Remove from oven; mix tomato with cream and pour over cooked cabbage rolls; bake for another 1/2 hour. Remove and allow to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Serves 4.

Note: For slow cooker or Instant Pot, please use cooking times according to manufacturers directions for each individual pot.

Cabbage RollsGround BeefCabbageUnforgettable Issue 8