Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – Töltött Káposzta

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 500 g (1 lb) ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef)
• 100 g (1/2 cup) rice, uncooked
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika

For the cabbage rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage (or 8–10 large cabbage leaves)
• 1–2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500 ml (2 cups) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1–2 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika

Optional:

• Smoked bacon or sausage pieces for extra flavor