How Long To Cook Stuffed Cabbage On Stove Top

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Introduction

Nothing quite beats the comforting and delicious taste of stuffed cabbage. Whether you’re enjoying a family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this classic dish is sure to impress. While stuffed cabbage can be made in various ways, cooking it on the stove top is a popular and convenient method that yields fantastic results.

In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to cook stuffed cabbage on the stove top. From preparing the cabbage leaves to making the flavorful filling and getting that perfect cook, you’ll soon be well on your way to serving up a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Before we dive into the process, let’s gather all the ingredients necessary to make this savory and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

To make delicious stuffed cabbage on the stove top, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 large cabbage head
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup vegetable or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

These ingredients are easily accessible and can be found at your local grocery store. Once you have everything ready, we can start the cooking process.

Step 1: Preparing the cabbage leaves

The first step in making stuffed cabbage on the stove top is to prepare the cabbage leaves. Follow these simple instructions:

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage head.
3. Carefully place the cabbage head into the pot of boiling water.
4. Let the cabbage simmer for a few minutes until the leaves start to soften.
5. Using tongs, gently remove the softened leaves and place them in a colander to drain.
6. Continue boiling the cabbage until all the leaves are soft and easy to work with.
7. Set the cabbage leaves aside and allow them to cool before handling.

Now that you have your cabbage leaves ready, it’s time to move on to the next step: making the flavorful filling.

Step 2: Making the filling

The filling is what adds flavor and texture to your stuffed cabbage. Here’s how to make a delicious filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
2. Using your hands or a spoon, mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Take a small portion of the filling mixture and shape it into a small ball. Cook it in a skillet to taste for seasoning adjustments.
4. Once you’re satisfied with the seasoning, divide the filling mixture into equal portions.

The filling is now ready to be stuffed into the cabbage leaves. Let’s move on to the next step.

Cook stuffed cabbage on the stove top for 1.5-2 hours on low heat, covered. Check for doneness by testing the cabbage leaves for tenderness. Enjoy!

Step 3: Stuffing the cabbage leaves

With the cabbage leaves prepared and the filling ready, it’s time to start stuffing the cabbage leaves. Follow these steps:

1. Take a cabbage leaf and place it flat on a clean surface.
2. Take one portion of the filling mixture and place it near the stem end of the cabbage leaf.
3. Fold the sides of the cabbage leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly.
4. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling portions.

Now that you have your stuffed cabbage rolls ready, it’s time to move on to the cooking process.

Step 4: Cooking on the stove top

Now that your stuffed cabbage rolls are prepared, it’s time to cook them to perfection on the stove top. Here’s how:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced tomatoes with the juice, tomato paste, and vegetable or beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Carefully place the stuffed cabbage rolls into the pot, making sure they are submerged in the sauce.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Cover the pot and let the stuffed cabbage cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
6. Occasionally, spoon some of the sauce over the stuffed cabbage rolls to keep them moist and flavorful.

Once the stuffed cabbage rolls are cooked, remove them from the pot and transfer them to a serving dish. You can garnish them with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and visual appeal.

Finally, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious stuffed cabbage rolls!

Step 5: Serving and enjoying

You’ve made it to the final step – serving and enjoying your deliciously cooked stuffed cabbage rolls. Here’s how to make the most of your culinary creation:

1. Carefully transfer the cooked stuffed cabbage rolls to a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Spoon some of the flavorful sauce from the pot over the cabbage rolls, making sure to get a good amount of sauce on each serving.
3. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for added color and freshness.
4. Pair your stuffed cabbage rolls with a side of mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
5. Serve hot and enjoy the wonderful flavors and textures of the tender cabbage and savory filling.

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving some comfort food, these stove-top cooked stuffed cabbage rolls are sure to impress and satisfy.

So, gather your loved ones around the table, share this delightful dish, and make lasting memories over the taste of homemade goodness.