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### 👩🍳 **How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls**
#### 1. **Prepare the Cabbage**
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully peel off the outer leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until soft and pliable. Set aside to cool.
#### 2. **Make the Filling**
In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, uncooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
#### 3. **Stuff the Cabbage Leaves**
Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of filling into the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly, like a burrito. Repeat with remaining leaves.
#### 4. **Make the Sauce**
In a saucepan, heat olive oil. Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
#### 5. **Assemble and Cook**
Place a layer of extra cabbage leaves at the bottom of a large baking dish or Dutch oven. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down. Pour the sauce over the rolls, cover, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or simmer gently on the stovetop.
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### 🍽️ **Serving Suggestions**
* Serve with **mashed potatoes**, **buttered noodles**, or **crusty bread** to soak up the sauce
* Add a dollop of **sour cream** or a sprinkle of **fresh dill or parsley**
* Pair with a light **cucumber salad** or **pickled vegetables** for contrast
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### 💡 **Tips & Variations**
* 🥩 **Meat swap:** Use ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor profile
* 🌾 **Grain alternatives:** Try quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice
* 🌱 **Vegetarian version:** Use lentils, mushrooms, and rice with herbs for a plant-based filling
* ❄️ **Make ahead:** Cabbage rolls freeze well — just bake and cool completely before freezing
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### ❤️ **Final Thoughts**
**Stuffed Cabbage Rolls** are more than just a meal — they’re a tradition passed down through generations, a symbol of comfort, and a reminder that simple ingredients, when prepared with care, can become something truly special. Whether you’re honoring family roots or discovering this dish for the first time, one bite will show you why it’s stood the test of time.
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Need a printable version, freezer instructions, or cultural variations (like Hungarian vs. Lebanese style)? Just let me know — I’d be happy to customize it!
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