Gourmet Stuffed Cabbage with Creamy Dill Sauce

Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
Core and blanch the cabbage, then separate the leaves.
Mix minced meat with salt, pepper, eggs, and form into rolls with cabbage leaves.
Arrange bacon in a baking dish and add the rolls on top.
Combine sauce ingredients and pour over the rolls.
Cover and bake for 2 hours or until tender.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
Why This Recipe Works
Our Cabbage Rolls are crafted with a mix of finely minced meat and aromatic spices, wrapped in tender blanched cabbage leaves, and baked to perfection with a slice of bacon. The rolls are then topped with a unique creamy dill sauce that adds a luxurious richness to the dish. The combination of these elements creates a balance of textures and flavors that are hearty yet refined.
Deep Dive into Ingredients
Minced Meat: The foundation of the rolls, providing a robust and meaty texture.
Cabbage: Chosen for its sweet and tender leaves, which wrap beautifully around the filling.
Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky layer that envelops the rolls, infusing them with additional flavor.
Creamy Dill Sauce: Features cheese cream and sweet cooking cream blended with fresh dill, pickled cucumbers, and mustard, offering a tangy contrast to the savory meat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Preparation: Start by blanching the whole cabbage to soften the leaves, making them pliable for rolling without breaking.
Filling: Mix the minced meat with spices and eggs for binding, ensuring each roll is juicy and flavorful.
Assembly: Wrap the filling in cabbage leaves neatly, ensuring they are snug enough to hold their shape while allowing room for the filling to expand slightly as it cooks.
Baking: The rolls are first baked snugly under a blanket of bacon, allowing the fat from the bacon to render and seep into the rolls, adding depth to the flavor profile.
Finishing Touch: A final bake with the creamy dill sauce allows the flavors to meld beautifully, with the sauce thickening slightly to cloak each roll in a velvety layer of flavor.