Oma’s Cabbage Rolls, a traditional German dish, are a beloved comfort food that often disappears faster than you can snap a photo! These rolls, filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, bread, and spices, are cooked to perfection in a creamy sauce that’s rich and satisfying. The best part is, you can prepare them with a few simple ingredients and they’ll quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 stale rolls (bread)
- 1 head of white cabbage
- 1.2 kg mixed ground meat (beef and pork)
- 1 medium-sized onion
- 1 egg
- ½ liter of sauce (cream sauce)
- Butter or margarine (for frying)
- Water as needed
Preparation:
1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Begin by tearing the stale rolls into small pieces and soaking them in warm water. While the bread is soaking, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.Place the cabbage head into the boiling water with the stem side up. Let it cook briefly until the outer leaves begin to soften. Carefully remove the cabbage, peel off the outer leaves, and set them aside. Repeat the process until you have enough leaves to form the cabbage rolls.
2. Prepare the Filling: Once the cabbage leaves are ready, place the ground meat in a large bowl. Squeeze out any excess water from the soaked bread and add it to the meat. Chop the onion finely and add it to the mixture. Crack the egg into the bowl and season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly with your hands until the mixture is well-combined and smooth.
3. Form the Rolls: Now it’s time to form the rolls! Lay 2-3 cabbage leaves on top of each other, slightly overlapping. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center of the leaves. Carefully fold in the sides and roll the cabbage tightly, securing the ends. Use kitchen twine to tie the rolls into neat little packages, ensuring they stay together while cooking.
4. Cook the Cabbage Rolls: In a large pot, heat some butter or margarine over medium heat. Brown the cabbage rolls in batches, making sure to cook them on all sides until they are nicely darkened. Once they are browned, lower the heat and add the cream sauce to the pot. Let the rolls simmer gently in the sauce for about an hour. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the rolls to become tender and juicy.
5. Serve and Enjoy: After about an hour of simmering, check if the cabbage rolls are tender. Remove them from the pot and serve hot with the creamy sauce. You can serve them alongside mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips:
- You can substitute the cream sauce with a simple tomato-based sauce for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add some herbs like thyme, bay leaves, or rosemary to the sauce while simmering.
- Make sure to let the cabbage rolls rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can fully develop.
These cabbage rolls are perfect for a cozy family meal and are sure to be a hit with both adults and kids. With their rich, creamy sauce and savory filling, they are the ultimate comfort food!
