Red Cabbage Beef Rolls: A Tangy and Savory Delight for Special Occasions

Red Cabbage Beef Rolls: A Culinary Delight

Introduction

Red cabbage beef rolls are a classic dish that combines the tangy flavors of red cabbage with the savory richness of ground beef. This dish is a popular choice for special occasions and family gatherings due to its vibrant appearance and delicious taste.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:
* 1 large head of red cabbage
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1/2 cup cooked rice
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1/4 cup chopped carrots
* 1/4 cup chopped celery
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:
* 1 cup tomato juice
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tablespoon ketchup
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preparing the Cabbage Leaves:

1. Remove the core from the cabbage and cut it into quarters.
2. Blanch the cabbage quarters in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or until the leaves are softened.
3. Remove the leaves from the boiling water and let them cool slightly.

Making the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, onion, carrots, celery, egg, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Assembling the Rolls:

1. Place a cabbage leaf on a work surface and spread a thin layer of the filling in the center.
2. Roll up the cabbage leaf tightly, starting from the bottom edge and working your way to the top.
3. Secure the roll with a toothpick.
4. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

Making the Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, combine the tomato juice, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.

Cooking the Rolls:

1. Place the cabbage rolls in a baking dish that is large enough to hold them in a single layer.
2. Pour the sauce over the rolls and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
3. Bake the rolls at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.

Serving:

1. Remove the cabbage rolls from the baking dish and discard the toothpicks.
2. Serve the rolls hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Tips

* For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein source, such as lentils or tofu.
* To add more flavor to the rolls, soak the cabbage leaves in a mixture of water and vinegar for 30 minutes before blanching.
* If you don't have time to prepare the rolls in advance, you can cook them directly from frozen. Just increase the baking time by 30-45 minutes.

Conclusion

Red cabbage beef rolls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With their vibrant appearance and savory flavor, these rolls are sure to impress your guests and become a family favorite.