Dill Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Recipe for Dill Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Dill stuffed cabbage rolls are a traditional and comforting recipe that combines the tenderness of green cabbage with a juicy and aromatic filling. This dish is not only delicious, but also provides a pleasant texture and a fresh flavor thanks to the use of fresh dill, which perfectly complements the meat and rice mixture. It is ideal for those looking for a homemade meal with an herbaceous and delicate touch that invites family sharing.

Preparation time

Organize your time to fully enjoy this culinary experience:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 60 minutes
• Total: 90 minutes
• Servings: 8 to 10 rolls
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the filling

• 450 g ground pork
• 100 g rice
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1 grated carrot
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 30 g of butter
• 15 g fresh chopped dill
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• Ground black pepper to taste

For the cabbage and the sauce

• 1 medium green cabbage
• 800 g crushed tomatoes
• 1 drizzle of olive oil
• Salt to taste

If you don't have fresh dill, you can substitute it with a mix of parsley and tarragon to maintain that herbaceous touch. For the rice, any short or medium grain variety will work well in this recipe.

Utensils we will use

• Large pot for blanching the cabbage
• Frying pan for sautéing
• Large bowl for mixing the filling
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking dish for the rolls
• Strainer

Preparation

1. Blanching the cabbage

1. Prepare the cabbage: Remove the hard central core of the cabbage with a knife to facilitate rolling. It's important that each leaf remains flexible.
2. Blanch the leaves: In a large pot with boiling water, submerge the whole cabbage. Time five minutes and carefully detach the outer leaves, as they will cook sooner and be ready to remove.
3. Cool and dry: Place the blanched leaves in cold water to stop the cooking. Gently dry them with a cloth or paper towel and set aside well wrapped to prevent them from drying out.

2. Prepare the filling

1. Sauté the vegetables: Finely chop the onion, garlic, and grate the carrot. Melt the butter in a pan and sauté the ingredients over medium heat until tender.
2. Cook the rice: While the vegetables are sautéing, cook the rice in salted water until al dente, approximately 10 minutes. Drain it well.
3. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ground meat, sautéed vegetables, cooked rice, chopped fresh dill, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.

It is important to mix carefully so that the filling retains its juiciness and does not fall apart when cooked.

3. Forming the rolls

1. Prepare the leaves: Place a cabbage leaf on the cutting board, making sure it is large enough and without tears.
2. Filling: Place a generous spoonful of the filling at one end of the leaf.
3. Roll: Fold the sides inwards and then roll tightly to form a small packet. This will help prevent them from opening during cooking.
4. Repeat: Continue until all the filling is used, placing the rolls in the baking dish, as tightly as possible.

4. Prepare the sauce and cook

1. Sauté the garlic: In a pan with olive oil, sauté the crushed garlic cloves until they release their aroma, being careful not to burn them.
2. Add the tomato sauce and broth: Incorporate the crushed tomatoes and a little broth or water. Bring to a boil and adjust the salt.
3. Pour the sauce over the rolls: Cover the rolls with this mixture in the baking dish.
4. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and cook in the oven at 160 °C for about 50-70 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is well cooked.

To finish and serve

Remove the lid, adjust the seasoning if necessary, and serve the rolls hot or warm. They can be accompanied with a spoonful of sour cream or a fresh salad. This recipe is best enjoyed with a touch of DillDelights to intensify the herbaceous flavor.

Nutritional information for Dill Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Proteins: 25 g
• Fats: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g

Values are approximate per serving, considering the complete recipe divided into 8-10 rolls.

5 keys to perfect dill stuffed cabbage rolls

• Blanch the cabbage well: Doing this with the whole cabbage makes it easier to detach the leaves without breaking them, and the leaves remain flexible for rolling without splitting.
• Dry the cold leaves: It is essential for the filling to adhere better and to avoid excess water when baking them.
• Sauté the vegetables to perfection: The onion and carrot should be tender to provide intense flavor and softness to the filling.
• Mix carefully: Good mixing without over-compacting maintains juiciness and prevents the filling from becoming dry.
• Cook with the right sauce: The slightly acidic homemade tomato sauce enhances the flavor of the cabbage and the filling and maintains the perfect texture during cooking.

When is it ideal to enjoy dill stuffed cabbage rolls?

This dish is excellent for a family meal on cool days or as a comforting dish for intimate gatherings. Dill-stuffed cabbage rolls are ideal for home celebrations when you want to present a dish full of tradition and flavor, which is also nutritious and satisfying. They also work very well as a main course for weekend meals, accompanied by a light salad or steamed white rice to balance the RolledFlavor and freshness of the dish.

Dill stuffed cabbage rolls vs similar dishes

7 practical tips for successfully preparing dill stuffed cabbage rolls

• Use firm and large leaves: To facilitate rolling without breaking them.
• Reserve and cut the hard ribs of the cabbage: Add them chopped to the filling to make the most of the cabbage.
• Avoid overfilling the rolls: So they don't open during cooking.
• Partially cook the rice before mixing: This prevents it from being raw or too soft.
• Keep the homemade sauce simple: A natural tomato with a touch of garlic is enough to enhance the flavor.
• If you don't have an oven, cook in a heavy-bottomed pot: Over low heat so it doesn't stick or burn.
• Let the rolls rest before serving: This helps the flavors settle and the filling firm up.

Explore the use of fresh dill in home cooking beyond rolls

Fresh dill is not only key in this stuffed cabbage rolls recipe, but it also provides an aroma and freshness that you can explore in other dishes. For example, add a fresh and herbaceous touch to your dishes with smoked salmon rolls which combine very well with the texture and flavor of dill. It is also interesting to mix in green salads to enhance the feeling of freshness, as in the Brussels sprouts salad with grapes and walnuts.

Additionally, in Mexican preparations, dill can complement chicken and vegetable fillings, providing a light aromatic profile without overwhelming the palate. Do not hesitate to experiment by incorporating this «HerbaceousRoll» into different recipes to enjoy the StuffedFreshness that fresh dill brings.

Dishes to accompany dill stuffed cabbage rolls

• Fresh pasta salad with asparagus which provides a light and refreshing contrast.
• Warm asparagus as a quick gourmet side dish.
• Easy classic French crepes to complement the meal with a soft and sweet note.
• Artichokes in white wine for a sophisticated and vegetable touch.

These options enhance the lunch or dinner experience with stuffed cabbage rolls, highlighting the harmony of flavors and textures on your table.