Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Töltött Káposzta)

Ingredients

• 1 large cabbage (leaves separated and softened)
• 500 g ground pork
• 150 g uncooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried marjoram
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 500 ml tomato sauce
• 500 ml beef or chicken broth
• 200 g smoked pork ribs or smoked ham hock (optional)
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions

1. Boil the cabbage briefly and carefully separate the leaves.
2. Mix the ground pork, rice, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and marjoram.
3. Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly, folding in the sides.
4. Arrange the cabbage rolls in a large pot with the smoked meat and bay leaves.
5. Pour in the tomato sauce and broth until the rolls are mostly covered.
6. Cover and simmer over low heat for 1½–2 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
7. Serve hot with sour cream and fresh bread.