Easy Pigs in a Blanket (Cabbage Rolls): Recipe

Pigs in a Blanket, also known as cabbage rolls, are a comforting and hearty dish featuring savory ground meat wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. These rolls are then cooked in a flavorful sauce until they are tender and delicious. Pigs in a Blanket are a classic comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. They can be customized with various fillings and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Whether served as a main dish or as part of a larger meal, Pigs in a Blanket are sure to satisfy your appetite and warm your soul.

Recipe

Ingredients in this recipe

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the head of cabbage and place the whole head in boiling water. Cook for about 6 minutes until the outer leaves are tender and easy to remove. Remove cabbage from water and let it cool slightly.

Step 2

• While the cabbage is cooling, combine ground beef or pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large bowl. Mix well, preferably with hands.

Step 3

• Once the cabbage has cooled, carefully peel off softened outer leaves one by one and lay them flat on a cutting board. Cut the thick center vein from each leaf to make rolling easier.

Step 4

• Place a spoonful of the meat and rice mixture near the stem end of each cabbage leaf. Fold sides of leaf over filling, then roll tightly and tuck in sides. Place rolled cabbage leaves seam side down in prepared baking dish.

Step 5

• Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a baking dish large enough to fit all the cabbage rolls.

Step 6

• In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and stock. Pour sauce over cabbage rolls in baking dish.

Step 7

• Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 50 minutes, or until cabbage rolls are cooked and soft.

Step 8

• Remove foil and sprinkle cabbage rolls with chopped fresh parsley for decoration. Serve hot with sauce on top, accompanied by bread, rice, or couscous.

Enjoy these classic homemade pigs in a blanket, also known as cabbage rolls, as a delicious dish that is perfect for lunch and dinner as a main course. They can also be served as a delightful accompaniment to other meals or enjoyed as a warm appetizer.

In addition to cabbage, you can also use vine leaves to wrap the meat mixture, creating a variant known as dolma. This variation adds a unique flavor twist and can be equally delicious.

You can choose a side dish to complement your meal, such as boiled rice, couscous, or potatoes. These sides perfectly complement the hearty flavors of the cabbage rolls.

Whether served as a main dish or appetizer, with cabbage or vine leaves, accompanied by your favorite side, these pigs in a blanket are sure to be a hit at any table. Enjoy this versatile and delicious recipe!