Imagine a dish that combines the comforting flavors of seasoned meat, fresh veggies, melted cheese, and tomato sauce, all wrapped in a tender cabbage leaf. Pan-fried cabbage rolls in tomato sauce fits that bill perfectly. It's a versatile and hearty meal that is perfect for any time of the year.
Photos of Pan-Fried Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce Recipe
The main ingredients for this recipe are common pantry items such as ground pork, beef, onion, and egg. However, it also calls for mozzarella cheese, which might not be a regular in your fridge. The cabbage leaves used in this recipe should be fresh, large, and firm. Also, powdered consommé is a flavorful broth base, so it wouldn't hurt to grab a box when you're at the supermarket.
Ingredients for Pan-Fried Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce
Cabbage leaves: used as a wrapper for the filling, providing a low-carb and healthy alternative to traditional wraps.
Ground pork and beef: combined to create a juicy and flavorful filling.
Onion: adds a bit of crunch and sweetness to the meat mixture.
Egg: binds the meat mixture together.
Mozzarella cheese: provides a gooey, melty center to the cabbage rolls.
Oil: used to pan-fry the cabbage rolls.
Tomato: forms the base of the sauce, lending a tangy flavor.
Powdered consommé: enhances the flavor of the sauce.
Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley: used as garnish, adding a touch of sharpness and freshness.
One reader, Farand Byrnes says:
The pan-fried cabbage rolls in tomato sauce recipe was a delightful surprise! The combination of tender cabbage, flavorful meat, and rich tomato sauce was simply divine. The dish was easy to prepare and the end result was a delicious, comforting meal that my whole family enjoyed. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Pan-Fried Cabbage Rolls
How to blanch cabbage leaves: Blanching cabbage leaves involves briefly immersing them in boiling water, then transferring them to ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps soften the leaves and makes them pliable for rolling.
How to form meat patties: After combining the ground pork, ground beef, diced cabbage stems, onion, egg, salt, and pepper, divide the mixture into four equal parts and shape them into patties.
How to roll cabbage rolls: Place a meat patty on a cabbage leaf, fold in the front and right side, and roll up. Then fold the left side inwards towards the meat filling to seal.
How to pan-fry cabbage rolls: Heat a bit of oil in a medium pan over medium heat, add the cabbage rolls, and fry for 3 minutes until browned on one side. Then, turn the cabbage rolls over and proceed with the next steps.
How to make tomato sauce: In the same pan, add water, powdered consommé, and butter. Once the water is boiling, add the canned tomatoes. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
How to serve: Sprinkle the pan-fried cabbage rolls with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
How To Make Pan-Fried Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce
For this cabbage roll, we bring you cheese-stuffed ground meat wrapped in cabbage cooked in tomato sauce. It’s a surprisingly tasty yet simple meal to try.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 4cabbage leaves
- ½cupground pork
- ½cupground beef
- ¼onion,finely chopped
- ½egg,beaten
- ⅓tspsalt
- pepper,to taste
- 4slicesmozzarella cheese
- oil,for cooking
- 1cupwater
- 1tbsppowdered consommé
- 1tbspbutter
- 1lbtomato,canned, diced
- salt,to taste
- pepper,to taste
- parmesan cheese,grated for serving
- fresh parsley,for serving
Instructions
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Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 3 minutes, then transfer directly to a large bowl of ice water.
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Remove the tough stem, finely dice and set aside.
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Combine the ground pork, ground beef, diced cabbage stems, onion, egg, salt, and pepper, and mix until well-combined.
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Divide into four equal parts.
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Fold the mozzarella slices in half and roll them up.
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Form each portion of meat into a patty.
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Add a roll of cheese to each patty and form the meat around the cheese so it is completely encased.
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Put a meat patty on a cabbage leaf, fold in front and right side, and roll up.
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Fold the left side inwards towards the meat filling to seal.
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Repeat with the remaining meat and cabbage.
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Heat a bit of oil in a medium pan over medium heat.
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Add the cabbage rolls and fry for 3 minutes, until browned on one side.
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Turn cabbage rolls over and add the water, bullion, and butter.
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Once the water is boiling, add the canned tomatoes.
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Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley, then serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 335.34kcal
- Fat: 26.16g
- Saturated Fat: 11.08g
- Trans Fat: 0.46g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.60g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.34g
- Carbohydrates: 8.04g
- Fiber: 2.40g
- Sugar: 4.14g
- Protein: 17.89g
- Cholesterol: 92.85mg
- Sodium: 691.24mg
- Calcium: 208.41mg
- Potassium: 530.28mg
- Iron: 1.69mg
- Vitamin A: 151.33µg
- Vitamin C: 25.65mg
Crucial Technique for Perfect Pan-Fried Cabbage Rolls
When forming the cabbage rolls, ensure to tuck in the sides tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during the cooking process. This also helps the rolls to keep their shape and makes them easier to handle. Additionally, when adding the tomato sauce, make sure to pour it around the rolls and not directly on top. This allows the cabbage to caramelize and develop a rich flavor while the sauce simmers and thickens.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the cabbage leaves and filling the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to finely dice the onion and cabbage stems for a quicker prep.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra cabbage rolls for a quick and easy meal later.
Multitask: While the cabbage rolls are cooking, use that time to prepare a side dish or salad to complete the meal.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a larger pot to cook the cabbage rolls and the tomato sauce together, reducing the number of dishes to clean up later.
Substitute Ingredients For Pan-Fried Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce Recipe
cabbage leaves - Substitute with Swiss chard leaves: Swiss chard leaves can be used as a substitute for cabbage leaves in this recipe. They have a similar texture and can be easily rolled and cooked.
ground pork - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground pork, and it will still provide a delicious flavor to the cabbage rolls.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef, and it will work well in the recipe, providing a similar texture and flavor.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese can be used as a substitute for mozzarella cheese, providing a slightly sharper flavor that complements the dish well.
powdered consommé - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for powdered consommé to add flavor to the tomato sauce.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter for sautéing and adding richness to the tomato sauce.
tomato - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing convenience and consistent flavor.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan cheese, providing a similar salty and nutty flavor to the dish.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can be used as a substitute for fresh parsley, adding a slightly different herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce
Elevate the plating: Arrange the pan-fried cabbage rolls in an artful manner on the plate, ensuring that each roll is visible and inviting. Consider using a circular or asymmetrical arrangement to create visual interest.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with finely chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the presentation. The vibrant green hue will contrast beautifully with the rich tomato sauce.
Incorporate a drizzle of sauce: Carefully spoon a small amount of the flavorful tomato sauce around the plated cabbage rolls, creating an elegant and appetizing presentation. The sauce should complement the dish without overwhelming it.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan: Grate a light dusting of Parmesan cheese over the cabbage rolls just before serving. This will not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the visual appeal of the dish.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace simplicity and allow the natural beauty of the dish to shine through. Avoid overcrowding the plate with excessive elements, and focus on highlighting the key components of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cabbage Rolls
- Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend, purée, or emulsify food and other substances.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife with a broad blade used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Cutting board: A durable board on which food is cut and prepared.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients, often available in various sizes.
- Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces and heating liquids.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms that are joined at one end, used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading foods.
- Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged holes used to shred or grate foods.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used to measure precise amounts of ingredients for cooking and baking.
- Kitchen twine: A strong, cotton string used for trussing meats and tying up food items.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a long handle and low sides, used for sautéing and frying foods.
- Strainer: A device used for separating solids from liquids or for straining sauces and soups.
- Rolling pin: A cylindrical tool used to flatten and shape dough for baking.
- Pastry brush: A kitchen tool with bristles used for applying sauces, glazes, and oils to food.
- Steamer: A cooking utensil used for steaming vegetables, seafood, and other foods.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Stove: A cooking appliance with burners or heating elements used for cooking food in pots and pans.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Cabbage Rolls
- Allow the cabbage rolls to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled cabbage rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the cabbage rolls:
- Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, leaving some space between each roll to prevent them from sticking together.
- If using a container, cover the cabbage rolls with the tomato sauce to prevent freezer burn.
- If using a zip-top bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen cabbage rolls can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen cabbage rolls:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Place the thawed cabbage rolls in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the cabbage rolls in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through.
- If the tomato sauce has thickened during storage, add a little water or broth to thin it out while reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover Cabbage Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cabbage rolls in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps to retain moisture and prevent the rolls from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the cabbage rolls in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the rolls to become rubbery.
If you have leftover tomato sauce, reheat it separately in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the sauce is hot, add the cabbage rolls and simmer for a few minutes until they are warmed through. This method allows the rolls to absorb more flavor from the sauce.
For a crispy exterior, reheat the cabbage rolls in a skillet. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the pan and heat over medium heat. Add the rolls and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until crispy and heated through.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your cabbage rolls. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the rolls in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Interesting Trivia About Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage rolls are a traditional dish in many Eastern European countries, such as Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. They are often served during festive occasions and celebrations, and each region has its own unique variation of the recipe.
Is Making Cabbage Rolls at Home Cost-Effective?
This pan-fried cabbage rolls in tomato sauce recipe offers a cost-effective option for households. The combination of cabbage, ground pork, and beef provides a budget-friendly yet flavorful meal. With cabbage being an affordable and versatile ingredient, and the use of ground pork and beef in moderate amounts, this recipe is economical for a family of four. The approximate cost for this meal is around $15, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for pan-fried cabbage rolls in tomato sauce has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like cabbage, tomatoes, and onions. Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as dietary fiber. Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while onions offer various vitamins and minerals.
However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components. The use of ground pork and beef increases the saturated fat content, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess. Additionally, the mozzarella cheese adds more saturated fat and sodium to the dish. The frying process also adds extra fat and calories.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the ground pork and beef with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce the saturated fat content
- Use low-fat mozzarella cheese or omit the cheese altogether to further decrease the saturated fat and sodium levels
- Instead of frying the cabbage rolls, try baking them in the oven or cooking them in a non-stick pan with minimal oil to reduce the added fat and calories
- Increase the amount of cabbage and tomatoes in the recipe to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Add more vegetables, such as diced carrots or bell peppers, to the meat mixture for added vitamins and minerals
- Use low-sodium consommé or replace it with low-sodium vegetable broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of this tasty cabbage roll recipe while still enjoying its comforting flavors.
Editor's Opinion on This Cabbage Roll Recipe
The recipe for pan-fried cabbage rolls in tomato sauce is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of ground pork and beef, along with the addition of mozzarella cheese, creates a rich and savory filling for the cabbage rolls. The tomato sauce adds a tangy and robust element to the dish, complementing the flavors of the cabbage and meat. The cooking method ensures that the cabbage rolls are tender and flavorful. Overall, this recipe offers a satisfying and comforting meal that is sure to impress.
Enhance Your Pan-Fried Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Pan-Fried Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with cabbage rolls in tomato sauce. The combination of ground pork and beef ensures a rich and savory flavor, while the addition of mozzarella cheese provides a delightful surprise. The use of fresh parsley and parmesan cheese adds a burst of freshness and depth. Trust in the traditional method of blanching the cabbage leaves to ensure the perfect texture. The incorporation of powdered consommé and butter in the cooking process guarantees a robust and well-balanced taste. This recipe is a testament to the art of homemade cooking and will surely impress your taste buds.
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