Cabbage Rolls

My dad was the family cook so I learned to make Polish cabbage rolls (golabki) growing up. We always used Uncle Ben's converted rice in the stuffing but the mushrooms are optional. Serve them plain or browned in a little olive oil with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 large head of cabbage (about 3 lbs.) – or use 2 smaller heads
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large mushrooms, finely diced - 1 1/2 cups (optional)
1 pound ground sirloin
3/4 cup uncooked long grain rice (brown or white)
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 cup Pomi strained tomatoes or canned tomato puree
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
pepper to taste
3/4 cup liquid (beef stock, cabbage water, or combine with some leftover tomato for 3/4 cup)
Instructions:

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cut center core out of cabbage and place, core side down, in boiling water. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
While cabbage simmers, heat oil in pan over med-high heat and sauté onion and garlic 3-5 minutes until browned. Add mushrooms and cook another 2 minutes. Transfer mixture to a large bowl to cool.
Remove cabbage to a rimmed baking sheet, keeping water in the pot. Gently remove leaves from cabbage, cutting away from the core with a small knife. Set aside the best 16 unbroken leaves and cut off the thick spine in the center for easier rolling. Set all remaining broken or small cabbage leaves aside. (If the core is too firm, return it to boiling water for a few minutes to soften)
Preheat oven to 350° F.
To cooled onion mixture, add meat, rice, parsley, tomato, salt & pepper. Combine well.
Place about 1/4 cup of filling in each leaf, roll, and place seam side down in a 13 by 9-inch pan. Pour liquid over rolls and lay some leftover leaves on top. Cover pan tightly with foil, and bake for 1 1/2 hours. (Place pan on a cookie sheet in case it drips)
Remove from oven and let rest 30 minutes or better still, refrigerate overnight. (They freeze well.)

How to Serve: The next day they are really good when browned in a little oil or butter and served with a side of sour cream.

To Cook on Stove Top - Use a heavy Dutch oven or your heaviest pan. If you have leftover cabbage leaves, place them on the bottom of the pan first to prevent burning. Use the same recipe, cover the pan and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat and simmer for about an hour. It takes less time because you bring it to a boil much faster on the stove top. Uncover occasionally to make sure they are cooking and to see if more liquid is needed.

Good appetite!