Learn to make classic Italian cabbage rolls with meat, a hearty winter dish.

Involtini di verza con carne

Explore the world of Italian recipes with these savory cabbage rolls with meat, cooked in a rich tomato sauce. This traditional dish is a staple of home cooking, offering a simple yet delightful way to enjoy cabbage during its peak season in winter. Perfect as a hearty second course, these rolls are sure to impress family and guests alike.

Simple and Delicious Preparation

Making cabbage rolls is straightforward and accessible for everyone. With just a few ingredients and some careful preparation, you can achieve an impeccable result. The key is to choose large, robust cabbage leaves and blanch them briefly in salted water. This makes them soft and pliable. After draining, let them cool on a towel without overlapping, ensuring they maintain the right texture for filling.

Juicy Meat Filling

The ground meat filling remains tender and juicy, while cooking in tomato sauce enhances the rolls’ flavor and tenderness. They are perfect for the whole family and can be prepared in advance, becoming even tastier after resting for a few hours.

Variations and Ideas

For more delicious ways to prepare cabbage rolls, try these variations:

• Cabbage rolls with potatoes and smoked cheese
• Cabbage rolls with rice and pumpkin
• Vegetarian cabbage rolls
• Cabbage rolls stuffed with escarole
• Cabbage rolls filled with vegetables

Ingredients

• 12 large cabbage leaves
• 300g ground meat
• 1 egg
• 50g breadcrumbs
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 500ml tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Blanch cabbage leaves in salted water for 2-3 minutes. Drain and cool on a towel.
2. In a bowl, mix ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf, roll tightly, and secure with toothpicks.
4. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
5. Add tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
6. Place cabbage rolls in the sauce, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes.

Serve hot and enjoy your Italian culinary creation!

Total Time: 60 min

Cuisine: Italian