Traditional Cabbage Rolls (Cigares au Chou)

Name: Traditional Cabbage Rolls (Cigares au Chou)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 large head of cabbage (frozen overnight or blanched); 500 g ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 can tomato sauce (398 mL / 14 oz); 1 can diced tomatoes (398 mL / 14 oz); 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil

120 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

Traditional Cabbage Rolls (Cigares au Chou)

Savory beef-and-rice filled cabbage leaves baked in a rich tomato sauce.

Prep

30 min

Cook

90 min

Total

120 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Nothing says comfort like Traditional Cabbage Rolls, or 'Cigares au Chou', a beloved dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. This classic recipe features tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of beef and rice, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. Using a simple trick, you can make the cabbage leaves pliable by freezing the whole head overnight. This method saves time and effort while ensuring the cabbage is easy to handle. Alternatively, blanching the leaves works just as well for those who prefer a more traditional approach.

Ingredients

Servings

Cabbage Rolls

Tomato Sauce

Instructions

Prepare the Cabbage

If using frozen cabbage, thaw and separate the leaves. If blanching, remove the core and blanch the leaves in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until pliable.

Pro tip: Freezing the cabbage overnight softens the leaves without the need for blanching.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined.

Pro tip: Use your hands to mix the filling for even distribution.

Stuff the Cabbage Leaves

Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Add 2 tablespoons of filling at the stem end, roll up, tucking in the sides to enclose the filling.

Pro tip: Roll tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, oregano, and basil.

Pro tip: Adjust seasoning to taste by adding more sugar for sweetness.

Assemble the Dish

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.

Pro tip: Layer the rolls closely together to keep them from unrolling.

Bake the Cabbage Rolls

Pour remaining sauce over the rolls. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1.5 hours. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature of the rolls reaches 74°C (165°F).

Pro tip: Baking covered helps retain moisture and flavour.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Freeze the cabbage overnight to make the leaves pliable without blanching.</li><li>Roll the filling tightly to prevent it from spilling.</li><li>Bake the rolls covered to keep them moist.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious cabbage rolls with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce. A fresh green salad complements the dish perfectly, adding a crisp contrast to the hearty rolls. To make ahead, assemble the rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.