Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Töltött Káposzta)

🥬 Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Töltött Káposzta)

Ingredients:

For the rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage (or pickled cabbage leaves if available)
• 500 g ground pork (or mixed pork & beef)
• 1 cup rice (uncooked)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 2 tbsp oil or lard
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 400 g crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
• 1–1.5 L water or broth
• 1–2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions:

1. Prepare cabbage
   Boil the whole cabbage or separate leaves and soften them in hot water. Set aside to cool.
2. Make filling
   Mix ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Roll
   Place filling in each cabbage leaf, fold sides, and roll tightly.
4. Prepare sauce base
   Heat oil in a large pot, sauté onion until soft, add paprika, then tomato sauce and broth. Stir well.
5. Cook rolls
   Place cabbage rolls in the pot, add bay leaves, and simmer covered for 1.5–2 hours.
6. Finish
   Adjust seasoning and let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.