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Pork Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dinner
Servings 8 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cabbage Rolls:
  • 1 medium head of cabbage
  • 500 g (1 lb) ground pork
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
  • For the Tomato Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 400 g (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or parsley
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup water or broth

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Core the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
  • Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked rice, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs. Mix until evenly combined.
  • Step 3: Take one cabbage leaf and place about 2 tablespoons of the pork mixture in the center. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly from the base to form a neat roll. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
  • Step 4: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for the tomato sauce until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
  • Step 5: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar (if using), dried herbs, salt, pepper, and water or broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Step 6: Carefully place the cabbage rolls seam-side down into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the rolls. Cover and simmer on low heat for 35–40 minutes until the pork is fully cooked and the cabbage is tender.
  • Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.