cabbage roll sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
cabbage roll sauce recipe
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The Best cabbage roll sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share this cabbage roll sauce recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and I just can’t get enough of it.

The combination of tender cabbage leaves, savory meat filling, and tangy sauce is absolute perfection. My family loves it when I make it for special occasions, like holidays and birthdays, but we also enjoy it on a Tuesday night when we’re just looking for a comforting meal.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as a main course, or use it as a side dish. It’s also incredibly easy to make, which is a must in my book.

I’ve tried making it with store-bought cabbage rolls, but there’s just something about using fresh cabbage leaves that makes the whole dish feel more authentic and delicious. Plus, the health benefits of cabbage are well-documented – it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can help protect against chronic diseases.

When I’m making this recipe, I always think about my grandmother, who used to make it for me when I was a kid. She’d spend hours in the kitchen preparing the filling and rolling the cabbage leaves, but the end result was always worth it.

Now that I have my own family to cook for, I love being able to pass down this recipe and make new memories together.

Classic Cabbage Roll Sauce

Classic Cabbage Roll Sauce

4.7 from 1150 votes

A rich and savory tomato-based sauce perfect for cabbage rolls. This sauce combines tomato puree with aromatic vegetables and spices for a comforting finish.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 cups tomato puree
1 cup beef broth
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat for about 1 minute until shimmering.
2Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft, stirring occasionally.
3Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to deepen in color and aroma.
5Pour in the tomato puree and beef broth, then add the paprika, dried dill, salt, black pepper, bay leaf, and sugar.
6Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, which should take about 3 minutes.
7Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
8The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.
9Remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce, adjusting salt or sugar if needed.
10Use the sauce immediately over cabbage rolls or let it cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 0.5g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 680mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

For a richer sauce, substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth. To make it ahead, prepare the sauce and refrigerate for up to 3 days, then reheat gently before using.

Watch Video Of How Classic Cabbage Roll Sauce Works

This cabbage roll sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need a comforting meal after a long day.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to scale up or down depending on your needs – whether you’re feeding two or twenty-two people, this recipe will adapt perfectly.

And let’s not forget about storage – these cabbage rolls freeze beautifully for up to three months, making them perfect for meal prep or emergency dinners.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Roll Sauce

1.

What type of meat should I use for the filling?

For this recipe, you can use ground beef or ground pork – whichever you prefer! If you want to get fancy, you can even mix in some sausage or bacon bits for added flavor.

2.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Sure thing! You can prepare the filling and roll the cabbage leaves up to a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the rolls.

3.

How do I know if the cabbage rolls are done?

The best way to check is by cutting into one of the rolls – if the filling is hot and bubbly throughout, then they’re done! You can also check by inserting a toothpick into one of the rolls – if it slides in easily, then they’re cooked through.

4.

Can I freeze these cabbage rolls?

Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully – simply thaw them out at room temperature or reheat them in the oven until hot and bubbly.

5.

What if I don’t have any fresh cabbage on hand?

No worries! You can use frozen cabbage or even shredded cabbage from a jar as a substitute. Just be aware that your results may vary slightly depending on the quality of your ingredients.

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