Steirische Krautwickel mit Reis
A hearty and flavorful Styrian specialty, these cabbage rolls are filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and rice, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce. This version focuses on the rice filling, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 head Large cabbage
- 500 g Ground pork
- 200 g Cooked rice
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Marjoram(dried)
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 750 ml Beef broth
- 1 piece Bay leaf
- 200 g Sour cream(for serving (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Core the cabbage and carefully loosen the leaves by blanching the whole head in boiling water for about 5-10 minutes, or until the leaves are pliable. Gently peel off the leaves, being careful not to tear them. Trim any thick ribs from the leaves.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
💡 Tip: Ensure the onion is finely chopped for a smoother filling. - 3
Place a portion of the filling (about 2-3 tablespoons) onto the stem end of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides of the leaf and then roll it up tightly to form a neat parcel.
- 4
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the cabbage rolls on all sides.
- 5
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
- 6
Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the sauce has thickened.
- 7
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the cabbage rolls hot, spooning some of the sauce over them. Optionally, serve with a dollop of sour cream.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If cabbage leaves tear, you can overlap two smaller pieces to create a larger one.
- ✓For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine with the beef broth.
- ✓Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
🔄 Variations
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the amount of rice and finely chopped mushrooms or lentils.
- Add a pinch of caraway seeds to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.