Cabbage Rolls

• 1 medium head cabbage

   Filling

• 1-1/4 pounds lean ground beef (or combination lean ground pork and beef)
• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice, cooked according to package directions (about 2 cups cooked)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

sauce

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon canola or other vegetable oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onions
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) whole tomatoes, crushed with fingers, and juices
• 1 can (8 ounces) unseasoned tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• Juice of a small lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of cinnamon

There are several techniques for blanching the cabbage leaves. I prefer to cut the bottom of the stems of the outer leaves, gently remove them from the head, then cook 3 or 4 at a time in lightly salted boiling water until tender, about 4 minutes. When I get to the inner portion of the cabbage where the leaves are too tight to remove without ripping, I immerse the remaining head into the water and remove the outer leaves as they become loose. Separate the cooked leaves on a clean towel so they can drain and cool quickly.

To make the filling, place the ground beef in a medium bowl. Add 1-1/2 cups of the cooked rice, reserving any remaining rice for assembly, and the remaining filling ingredients. Mix well with hands until all is combined. (To taste for seasoning, take a small piece of the mixture and cook in a skillet or in the microwave.)

To make the sauce, heat the butter and oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until just starting to brown. Add the tomatoes, sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium; cover and simmer about 10 minutes. Add the pinch of cinnamon and taste for seasoning.

Preheat oven to 350° F. To assemble, first cut a vertical slit in the thick portion of the leaves so they will roll easily. Starting with the largest leaves, place about 1/4 cup of filling at the thick end. Start to roll, tucking in the sides as you go. Roll as tightly as you can. This will make about 16 rolls, depending on the size of the leaves. When you have used up all of the filling, take the remaining leaves and lay them on the bottom of a baking dish or roasting pan large enough to hold the rolls in one layer. Top with the remaining cooked rice. Spoon just enough of the sauce over the layer to moisten. Place the cabbage rolls, seam-side down, in rows on top of sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over all. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for about 1 hour or until hot and bubbly.

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