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### Instructions:
#### 1. Preparing the Cabbage:
Begin by carefully peeling the leaves from the head of cabbage. To make this process easier, blanch the cabbage in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until the leaves soften. Remove the cabbage from the pot and set it aside to cool. When the cabbage is cool enough to handle, carefully cut out the thick stems from the center of each leaf to make them easier to roll.
#### 2. Making the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or pork), cooked rice, finely chopped onion, grated carrots, minced garlic, egg, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. If you want a slightly richer flavor, feel free to add some sautéed onions or garlic to the mixture for extra depth.
#### 3. Assembling the Cabbage Rolls:
Place one cabbage leaf on a flat surface, with the stem side facing up. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling mixture onto the center of each leaf. Fold in the sides of the cabbage leaf and roll it tightly from the bottom up, securing the filling inside. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
#### 4. Cooking the Cabbage Rolls:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in the pot. Once all the cabbage rolls are in the pot, pour the crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce) over them. You can also add a little water or broth to ensure the cabbage rolls are partially submerged. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
#### 5. Preparing the Creamy Dill Sauce:
While the cabbage rolls are simmering, prepare the creamy dill sauce. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, heavy cream, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you want a tangier flavor, add a bit more lemon juice or Dijon mustard.
#### 6. Serving:
Once the cabbage rolls are cooked through, remove them from the pot and place them on a serving platter. Spoon the creamy dill sauce over the top of each cabbage roll, garnishing with additional fresh dill if desired.
### Tips & Variations:
– **Add More Veggies:** To increase the veggie quotient, you can add finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
– **Vegetarian Option:** For a vegetarian version, use a mix of cooked lentils, rice, and vegetables as the filling. You can also opt for plant-based sour cream and heavy cream alternatives for the sauce.
– **Herb Variations:** While dill is the star of the sauce, you can experiment with adding fresh parsley or tarragon for a slightly different flavor profile.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These Savory Cabbage Rolls with Creamy Dill Sauce are not only delicious but also quite versatile. They make for a great family meal and are even better as leftovers. The tender cabbage leaves provide the perfect vessel for the savory filling, while the creamy dill sauce adds a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the cabbage rolls. It’s a dish that will warm your heart and soul, bringing comfort to any table.
Whether you’re familiar with cabbage rolls or trying them for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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