It sounds like you’re referring to an “Italian stuffed cabbage roll,” a delicious dish! Here’s a simple recipe for making Italian stuffed cabbage rolls:
Ingredients:
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1 large head of cabbage
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1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for more flavor)
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1/2 cup cooked rice
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional, for stuffing)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg
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2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions:
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Prepare the cabbage:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Carefully remove the cabbage leaves, one by one, and blanch them in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender but not too soft. Set them aside to cool.
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Trim the tough veins from each cabbage leaf so that they roll easily.
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Prepare the filling:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, mozzarella cheese (if using), Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
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Stuff the cabbage leaves:
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Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface, and spoon some of the filling onto the center of the leaf.
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Roll up the leaf tightly around the filling, folding in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
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Cook the stuffed cabbage rolls:
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Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. If you prefer, you can also use a large baking dish to bake the rolls.
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Place the stuffed rolls seam-side down in the skillet or dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the rolls, covering them evenly.
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Cover the skillet with a lid or the baking dish with foil and simmer on low heat for about 40-45 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
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Serve:
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Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired. Serve hot with additional marinara sauce on the side.
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