Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Töltött Káposzta)

Here’s an authentic Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe – Töltött Káposzta 🇭🇺🥬
A true classic, especially loved at Christmas and family gatherings.

🇭🇺🥬 Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Töltött Káposzta)

🛒 Ingredients

Cabbage

1 large sour cabbage (savanyú káposzta) or
1 large green cabbage + sauerkraut
Hot water (for blanching if using fresh cabbage)

Filling

1 lb (450 g) ground pork (or pork & beef mix)
½ cup uncooked rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tbsp paprika (Hungarian sweet paprika 🇭🇺)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Sauce / Pot Base

2 tbsp oil or lard
1 large onion, chopped
2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp tomato paste
4 cups water or broth
1 bay leaf
1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
1–2 cups sauerkraut (optional but traditional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Prepare cabbage
- If fresh: remove core, blanch leaves in hot water until soft.
- If sour cabbage: rinse lightly if very sour.
Make the filling
Mix ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Roll
Place filling on cabbage leaf, fold sides in, roll tightly.
Prepare pot
Heat oil, sauté onion until soft.
Remove from heat, add paprika and tomato paste.
Add water/broth, bay leaf, caraway, and sauerkraut.
Cook
Place cabbage rolls seam-side down.
Cover and simmer gently 2–2½ hours on low heat.
Rest
Let sit 20–30 minutes before serving — flavor improves!