🇭🇺 Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage – Töltött Káposzta

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Classic Hungarian comfort food: cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory meat and rice filling, simmered in a rich tomato and paprika sauce.

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef)
• ½ cup uncooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Rolls:

• 1 large head cabbage
• 2–3 cups sauerkraut or finely shredded cabbage (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Hungarian sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup water or broth

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Directions

1. Prepare Cabbage Leaves:
   Core cabbage and blanch leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until soft. Drain and cool.
2. Make Filling:
   In a bowl, mix ground meat, rice, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Form Rolls:
   Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf. Fold in sides and roll tightly.
4. Assemble in Pot:
   Layer cabbage rolls in a large pot. If using, sprinkle shredded cabbage or sauerkraut between layers.
5. Prepare Sauce:
   Mix tomato sauce with paprika, sugar, salt, pepper, and water/broth. Pour over cabbage rolls.
6. Cook:
   Cover and simmer gently 45–60 minutes, until cabbage and rice are fully cooked.
7. Serve:
   Spoon sauce over rolls and serve hot, with sour cream on the side if desired.

A hearty, traditional Hungarian dish perfect for family meals! 🇭🇺