Description
This Crockpot Cabbage Rolls recipe offers a comforting, slow-cooked meal featuring sour cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of ground pork, rice, and fresh herbs. Cooked gently in a flavorful tomato juice broth alongside smoked meat, these cabbage rolls become tender and infused with rich tastes, perfect for a hearty dinner served with polenta or mashed potatoes and a dollop of sour cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Cabbage Rolls
- 2 pounds sour cabbage leaves
- 2 pounds ground pork
- ½ cup long grain rice (uncooked, such as basmati or jasmine)
- 1 large onion, chopped or grated
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon or other smoked meats (such as smoked sausage or hock)
- 4 cups tomato juice
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage leaves: Place the sour cabbage leaves in a large bowl and soak them in cold water for a few minutes to reduce excess saltiness. Drain the water and cut any overly large leaves in half to make smaller rolls.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, uncooked rice, chopped onion, fresh dill, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well by hand, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Use salt sparingly because the sour cabbage already adds saltiness.
- Assemble the rolls: Spoon about two tablespoons of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the ends to fully enclose the filling. Repeat this process until all the meat and leaves are used.
- Layer in the crockpot: Chop any remaining cabbage and spread it evenly on the bottom of the crockpot. Arrange the prepared cabbage rolls on top, then place the smoked meat over the rolls if using.
- Add tomato juice and cook: Pour all the tomato juice over the cabbage rolls and cover the crockpot with its lid.
- Slow cook: Cook the cabbage rolls on the low setting for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the rolls are tender and fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve hot with polenta or mashed potatoes and a dollop of sour cream on top for a delicious traditional finish.
Notes
- Be cautious with the added salt since the sour cabbage is naturally salty.
- Using smoked meat like bacon, sausage, or a smoked hock adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the tomato juice slightly before pouring it over the rolls.
- Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Ensure the rice is uncooked before mixing to allow it to cook properly in the crockpot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cabbage roll with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
