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### Directions
**1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves**
Start by carefully removing the core from the Savoy cabbage. Gently peel off the outer leaves, trying to preserve them as intact as possible. You’ll need about 12 large leaves. To make them more pliable, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Remove the leaves and let them cool slightly. Cut away the tough, thick veins from the center of each leaf to make them easier to roll.
**2. Prepare the Filling**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, finely chopped onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix everything together until well combined. You want the mixture to be moist but not too loose—add a little more rice or breadcrumbs if the mixture seems too wet.
**3. Assemble the Rolls**
Take one of the cabbage leaves and place it flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling into the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides and then roll up tightly, like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling. If you have leftover filling, you can freeze it for later use.
**4. Make the Tomato Sauce**
In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, olive oil, sugar (if using), dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and well-combined. This sauce will add rich flavor and moisture to the rolls as they cook.
**5. Cook the Cabbage Rolls**
Place the rolled cabbage leaves in a large pot or Dutch oven, seam side down. Pour the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are covered with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little water or broth to maintain the consistency.
**6. Serve and Enjoy**
Once cooked, carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the pot and place them on serving plates. Spoon extra tomato sauce over the top and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
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### Tips for Perfect Savoy Cabbage Rolls
– **Blanch the cabbage leaves**: Don’t skip the blanching process—it softens the cabbage, making it easier to roll and preventing it from tearing.
– **Customize the filling**: Feel free to use a mix of ground meats like pork and beef, or go for a healthier option with ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the meat with lentils or quinoa.
– **Make-ahead option**: You can prepare the cabbage rolls in advance, refrigerate them for up to 24 hours, and then cook them the next day. This makes them a great choice for dinner parties or family gatherings.
– **Adjust the sauce**: If you like a more tangy sauce, add a little vinegar or lemon juice to the tomato mixture. For a spicier version, throw in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
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### Why Savoy Cabbage Rolls Are a Must-Try
Savoy cabbage rolls offer the perfect balance of tender cabbage, savory filling, and rich tomato sauce, making them an incredibly satisfying and versatile meal. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dish to enjoy with family or a showstopper for your next dinner party, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease of preparation.
The delicate texture of Savoy cabbage elevates the dish, while the filling stays juicy and flavorful from the slow cooking process. It’s an ideal meal for cozy nights in or when you want to impress your guests with a homemade, classic recipe that has a modern twist.
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### Final Thoughts
**Savoy Cabbage Rolls** are the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and made with love. They’re perfect for any occasion and can be customized to suit a variety of dietary preferences. This dish is not only a great way to enjoy cabbage in a new way but also a recipe that will surely become a family favorite for years to come.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of a meal that brings people together around the table.
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Would you like to experiment with adding other ingredients to the filling or the sauce? Let me know, and we can get even more creative with this dish!
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