Cabbage Rolls

This recipe for cabbage rolls or “golabchi” in Russian is originally from my grandmother but my mother adapted it and now this is my version.

Filling

1 lb ground lean beef

2 Tbsp oil

1 medium onion finely chopped

2 cloves garlic finely chopped

salt and pepper

2 cups cooked rice

1 head savoy cabbage

1 cup ketchup

8 slices bacon

1 cup tomato juice

Core the cabbage and place the head in a deep bowl. Pour boiling water down through the core area and over the rest of the cabbage covering the cabbage completely. Set aside till ready.

Meanwhile:

In a heavy fry pan, heat the oil then add the onions and garlic. Saute till translucent. Add the beef and cook till browned. Season to taste. Add the cooked rice, stir and set aside.

Drain the water from the cabbage and very carefully peal the leaves gently from the head keeping the leaves in tact. 

Place a leaf in your hand and fill with 1/4-1/2 cup of the filling. Bring the bottom up over the filling then fold in the sides and then roll up tightly. Place in a casserole pan seam side down. Continue till all the filling is used up. Mix the juice and ketchup together and pour over top. Lay the bacon strips over the top and bake at 375 for 45 minutes to 1 hour.