Ingredients

  • 2 lbs cabbage (frozen and completely thawed for the day of use)
  • 1 1/4 lbs ground chuck
  • 1/2 lb ground turkey
  • 3 tablespoons long grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumb
  • 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley (chopped)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated yellow onion
  • 1 large onion (diced)
  • 3 garlic cloves (chopped)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 (28 ounce) can Italian-style crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 medium carrot (grated)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped or 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup dried sour cherries
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine

Method

  • In a 3 quart saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and garlic and cook until soft and golden brown (about 8 minutes).
  • Add the thyme and carrot and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes, lemon juice, sugar, raisins, cherries salt and pepper and heat to a boil while stirring constantly.
  • Lower the heat and simmer for thirty minutes.
  • For Cabbage Rolls.
  • While sauce simmers combine meats, rice, bread crumbs, parsley, grated onions, salt and pepper.
  • Place one half of the completed sauce and wine in a large covered oven-proof casserole dish.
  • Take individual whole cabbage leaf and lay out on a cutting board. Place a medium-sized handful of meat mixture in the lower center of the leaf. Fold sides over the top of meat, roll towards the stem into a tight cylinder and place stem side down into the sauce. Continue with remaining cabbage leaves until meat is used up.
  • Chop remaining cabbage and stir into remaining sauce.
  • Spoon remaining sauce over cabbage rolls, place the covered casserole in a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 1 hour.
  • Serve immediately with mashed potatoes.
  • * Stuffed cabbage rolls can be cooked up to 2 days ahead and cooled, uncovered, then chilled, covered. Reheat before serving. Can be frozen for up to 6 months in an airtight container. Thaw in refrigerator, heat and serve.