Tender Cabbage Rolls (Cabbage Rolls)
Perfect for Home Parties! Elegant Cabbage Rolls Made with Your Own Napa Cabbage
Have you ever wondered what to do with the smaller heads of napa cabbage left after kimchi-making? You’ve likely enjoyed the tougher outer leaves in hearty soybean paste soup and the tender inner hearts as fresh wraps. Now, transform those in-between sized cabbages into a delicious Italian dish: Cabbage Rolls! Unlike regular cabbage, napa cabbage leaves are less prone to tearing, making rolling much easier and resulting in a wonderfully tender texture. These rolls are perfect as a centerpiece for home parties or any special occasion, showcasing your culinary effort and care.
Main Ingredients- 12 sheets Napa cabbage (generously sized)
- 4 strands Spaghetti
- 100g Ground beef
- 200g Ground pork
- 1 tsp Salt
- Pinch of pepper
- 1 slice Bread
- 3 Tbsp Milk
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1/2 Onion (finely chopped)
- 20cm Green part of scallions (finely chopped)
- 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
Sauce- 1/2 Chicken stock cube
- 400g Tomato sauce (store-bought)
- 1 cup Water
Optional Ingredients (Flavor Boost!)- 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (additional)
- 3 florets Cauliflower
- 1 sprig Rosemary
- 1/2 Chicken stock cube
- 400g Tomato sauce (store-bought)
- 1 cup Water
Optional Ingredients (Flavor Boost!)- 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (additional)
- 3 florets Cauliflower
- 1 sprig Rosemary
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To prepare the cabbage, bring water to a boil and dip only the firm stem parts of the napa cabbage leaves for 1 minute. This will soften them slightly, preventing the leaves from tearing when you roll them.
Step 2
Next, submerge the entire cabbage leaves in the boiling water for another minute to wilt them. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become too soft.
Step 3
Immediately rinse the blanched cabbage leaves under cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, drain them thoroughly in a colander. Excess moisture can make the filling too watery.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of pepper to begin flavoring the meat mixture and remove any gaminess.
Step 5
Remove the crusts from the bread slice and soak it in 3 tablespoons of milk until moist. Squeeze out any excess milk by hand and tear it into small pieces. Add this to the meat mixture. The soaked bread will help bind the filling and keep it moist.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, the finely chopped 1/2 onion, chopped scallions, and the chopped 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes to the meat mixture. Mix everything thoroughly. The vegetables will add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 7
Knead the mixture well until it becomes cohesive and forms a single mass. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. You can lightly score lines on the mixture to guide your portioning for the rolls.
Step 8
Lay a prepared cabbage leaf flat. Place an equal portion of the meat filling onto the leaf. Roll it up tightly like making sushi or a kimbap roll. Be firm but gentle to avoid tearing the cabbage.
Step 9
Tuck in the sides of the rolled cabbage leaves. Fold the loose edges inwards neatly to ensure the filling is completely enclosed and the roll maintains a tidy shape.
Step 10
Use the 3 pieces of spaghetti, each broken into three segments, to secure the cabbage rolls. Insert a piece of spaghetti horizontally through each roll, like a pin, to hold the leaves together. This prevents them from unraveling during cooking.
Step 11
Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a deep pot. Place the optional cauliflower florets and the sprig of rosemary in the center of the pot, adding an aromatic touch.
Step 12
Pour in the sauce ingredients: 1/2 chicken stock cube, 400g of tomato sauce, and 1 cup of water. (You can add a little ketchup for extra flavor if desired.) Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for about 30 minutes, allowing the rolls to cook through completely.
Step 13
Finally, taste the cabbage rolls and sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed to achieve your desired flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Cabbage Rolls!
