Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey to Hungary? Look no further than this recipe for Hungarian stuffed cabbage, a dish that encapsulates the rich flavors and hearty spirit of Hungarian cuisine. Known as “Töltött káposzta” in Hungarian, this dish is a staple in Hungarian households and offers a delightful combination of savory meat, tangy sauerkraut, and tender cabbage leaves. Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering masterpiece.
Ingredients:
– 1 large head of cabbage
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb ground pork
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
– 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the cabbage. Trim the core and remove the outer leaves, setting aside a few whole leaves for later use. Boil the remaining cabbage leaves in salted water until they are tender but still intact. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, sour cream, tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, thyme, and sugar. Mix well to combine.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Take a boiled cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center. Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the edges as you go, to form a tight roll. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and meat mixture.
6. In a large baking dish, place the rolled cabbage rolls in a single layer. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the rolls, ensuring they are well-covered.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the sauce has thickened.
8. Once done, remove the foil and let the stuffed cabbage cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley, if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Hungarian stuffed cabbage with a side of Hungarian-style noodles or mashed potatoes for a complete meal that will transport you to the heart of Hungary. Buon appetito!
