Sweet and Sour Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Name: Sweet and Sour Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 1 large head of cabbage (cored); 500 g ground beef; 1 cup cooked rice (slightly undercooked); 1 onion (finely chopped); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 can tomato sauce (400g); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup vinegar (apple cider or white); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 cup water

105 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

Experience a delightful blend of flavours with our Sweet and Sour Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, perfect for a comforting meal.

Prep

30 min

Cook

75 min

Total

105 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Sweet and sour stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting dish that combines tender cabbage leaves filled with a savoury meat and rice mixture, all simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. This recipe captures the balance of flavours that is beloved in many Eastern European cuisines, offering a satisfying blend of sweet and sour notes. Our version of this classic dish ensures that each bite is packed with flavour, thanks to a well-seasoned filling and a perfectly balanced sauce. It's ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, homemade meal with a touch of nostalgia. Whether you're new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe offers straightforward steps to create a dish that is sure to please family and friends alike.

Instructions

Prepare the cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cored cabbage head and blanch for 5 minutes until the outer leaves are pliable. Carefully remove leaves and set aside.

Pro tip: Use tongs to gently remove leaves without tearing.

Make the filling

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

Pro tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the filling tender.

Fill the cabbage leaves

Place 2 tablespoons of filling at the centre of each cabbage leaf. Fold sides over the filling, then roll up tightly.

Pro tip: Secure with toothpicks if necessary.

Prepare the sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and water until smooth.

Pro tip: Adjust the sugar and vinegar to taste for a perfect balance.

Assemble the dish

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange cabbage rolls seam side down in a deep baking dish. Pour sweet and sour sauce over the rolls.

Bake the rolls

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the rolls are cooked through.

Pro tip: Check that the meat is fully cooked by inserting a thermometer into the centre of a roll; it should read 71°C (160°F).

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Tips & Tricks

Use a sharp knife to core the cabbage for easy leaf separation.
Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for pliability.
Ensure the rice is slightly undercooked before stuffing to avoid overcooking.
Use a deep baking dish to contain the sauce and keep rolls moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sweet and sour stuffed cabbage?

Sweet and sour stuffed cabbage is a dish featuring cabbage leaves filled with a meat and rice mixture, cooked in a tangy tomato sauce.

How many calories in sweet and sour stuffed cabbage?

Each serving of sweet and sour stuffed cabbage contains approximately 350 calories.

Can I make sweet and sour stuffed cabbage ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rolls a day ahead and refrigerate them. Reheat before serving.

How do you freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?

Place cooled rolls in an airtight container or freezer bag, then freeze for up to 3 months.

What to serve with sweet and sour stuffed cabbage?

Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread and a green salad for a complete meal.

Is sweet and sour stuffed cabbage gluten-free?

Ensure the rice and other ingredients used are gluten-free. Always check labels.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sweet and sour stuffed cabbage rolls with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, pair with a light green salad. These rolls can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes before serving. They also freeze well, making them a convenient make-ahead meal.

Nutrition per serving

350

Calories

18g

Protein

15g

Fat

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