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Stuffed cabbage rolls filled with spiced pork and rice, served in tomato sauce
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls - Traditional Hungarian Holiday Dish

Authentic Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses
Stuffed cabbage is a pillar of Hungarian cuisine and a holiday staple. The fermented tang of sauerkraut, deep smoky meat, and spiced filling create a harmony that—it's a known fact—tastes even better the next day.
🕒 Prep Time 40 mins
🍳 Cook Time 2 hrs
⌛ Total Time 2 hrs 40 mins
🍽️ Servings 5 servings
🔥 Calories 550 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Hungarian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife

Allergen Information

⚠️ Milk

Instructions

1 ✓

Parboil rice (5-8 mins), drain and cool.

Tip: Parboiled rice expands in the meatball, absorbing juices without becoming mushy.
2 ✓

Sauté chopped onion in fat, add crushed garlic and paprika, remove from heat.

Tip: Fat dissolves paprika flavor and color better than water.
3 ✓

Mix ground pork, cooled rice, onion mixture, salt, and pepper thoroughly.

Tip: Mix until uniform and slightly sticky.
4 ✓

Trim thick veins from cabbage leaves. Place filling at base, fold sides, and roll tightly, tucking in ends.

Tip: Soak leaves if too salty.
5 ✓

Layer shredded sauerkraut and bacon in pot. Place rolls on top.

Tip: Smoked meat at the bottom flavors the entire liquid.
6 ✓

Top with remaining kraut, bay leaves, and tomato paste. Cover with water.

Tip: Tomato acidity balances the fat.
7 ✓

Simmer covered for 1.5-2 hours until meat is tender.

Tip: Gentle simmer prevents rolls from breaking.
8 ✓

Serve with generous sour cream and fresh bread.

Recipe FAQ

Too salty.
Sauerkraut and smoked meat are salty. Rinse kraut before cooking. If too late, boil a raw potato in the sauce to absorb salt.
Rolls fell apart.
Rolled too loosely or not enough binder. Roll tightly and tuck ends in well.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Sauerkraut (shredded)
  • 8 whole Sour Cabbage Leaves
  • 1 lb Ground Pork
  • 1/2 cup Round Rice
  • 1 whole Onion
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tsp Hungarian Paprika
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Pepper
  • 4 oz Smoked Bacon or Sausage
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaf
  • 3/4 cup Sour Cream (for serving)
  • 2 cups Water or Stock