Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls are a traditional dish that can be found in various cuisines, including Polish, Ukrainian, Russian, and German cuisine.

They typically consist of cooked cabbage leaves that are filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice or other grains, and spices, then rolled up and baked in a sauce.

To make cabbage rolls, you will need:

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

Core the cabbage and remove the outer leaves. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the cabbage. Boil for 5 minutes, then remove from the pot and place in a bowl of ice water to cool.

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Carefully remove the cabbage leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut off the thick part of the stem from each leaf.

Place a spoonful of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf and roll it up, tucking in the sides as you go. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.

In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls.

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and the sauce is bubbly.

Serve hot with additional sauce, if desired.

Both beef and cabbage are nutritious foods that can provide a range of essential nutrients.

Beef is a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. It is also a good source of vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and selenium. However, beef is also high in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease if consumed in excess.

Cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin B6. It also contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, including calcium and potassium. Cabbage is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against cellular damage and inflammation.

When combined in a dish like cabbage rolls, beef and cabbage can provide a well-rounded and nutritious meal. However, it is important to be mindful of portion sizes and to choose lean cuts of beef to limit saturated fat intake.