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🧾 Ingredients

🥬 For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large cabbage or fermented/sour cabbage leaves
• 500 g minced pork
• 100 g rice
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
• Salt and black pepper

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🍲 For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons oil or lard
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 500 ml tomato juice or crushed tomatoes
• Water or broth as needed

Optional:

• Smoked sausage
• Smoked pork or bacon

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation

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1. Prepare the cabbage leaves

If using fresh cabbage:

• Boil the whole cabbage briefly
• Remove softened leaves carefully

If using fermented cabbage:

• Rinse lightly if too sour

Trim thick stems for easier rolling.

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2. Make the filling

In a large bowl mix:

• minced pork
• rice
• onion
• garlic
• egg
• paprika
• salt and pepper

Mix until evenly combined.

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3. Roll the cabbage

Place filling onto each cabbage leaf.

Fold sides inward and roll tightly.

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4. Prepare the sauce base

Heat oil or lard in a large pot.

Cook onion until soft.

Remove briefly from heat and stir in paprika.

Add tomato paste and tomato juice.

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5. Slow cook

Arrange cabbage rolls inside the pot.

Add smoked sausage or meat if desired.

Cover with water or broth.

Simmer slowly for 1.5–2 hours until tender.

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🍽️ How to Serve

Serve Töltött káposzta:

• Hot with sour cream
• With fresh rustic bread
• Alongside pickles or cucumber salad
• With extra sauce spooned over top

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🔥 Tips for Authentic Flavor

• Fermented cabbage gives traditional tangy flavor
• Slow cooking creates deeper taste
• Smoked sausage adds incredible richness
• Let the dish rest overnight for best flavor
• Use Hungarian sweet paprika for authenticity

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🇭🇺 A Hungarian Holiday Tradition

Töltött káposzta is especially popular:

• During Christmas
• Winter family gatherings
• Countryside celebrations
• Large Sunday family lunches

Many Hungarian families prepare huge pots to feed relatives and guests.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Hungarian stuffed cabbage rolls are rich, hearty, and deeply comforting. The tender cabbage, flavorful meat filling, and paprika-infused sauce create a dish filled with warmth and tradition.

A timeless classic that tastes like home in every bite.