Description
This Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls with Pork recipe features tender sour cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, rice, and fresh herbs, all slowly cooked in a rich tomato juice broth with smoked meats. Perfectly soft and infused with smoky depth, these cabbage rolls make for a comforting and satisfying traditional meal, ideal for serving alongside creamy polenta or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 2 pounds sour cabbage leaves
- 2 pounds ground pork
- ½ cup long grain rice (uncooked, such as basmati or jasmine)
- 1 large onion, chopped or grated
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 8 ounces bacon or other smoked meats (such as smoked sausage or hock)
- 4 cups tomato juice
Instructions
- Prepare cabbage leaves: Place the sour cabbage leaves in a large bowl and soak them in cold water for a few minutes to reduce excess saltiness. Drain the water and cut any overly large leaves in half to create manageable sizes for rolling.
- Make filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, uncooked rice, chopped onion, fresh dill, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well by hand, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Use salt sparingly as the sour cabbage adds natural saltiness.
- Form rolls: Spoon about two tablespoons of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the ends to fully enclose the filling. Repeat until all meat and leaves are used.
- Layer in slow cooker: Chop any remaining cabbage and spread it evenly on the bottom of the crockpot. Arrange the prepared cabbage rolls on top, then place the smoked meat over the rolls.
- Add tomato juice: Pour all the tomato juice over the cabbage rolls and cover the crockpot with its lid.
- Slow cook: Cook on the low setting for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the cabbage rolls are tender and fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve hot with polenta or mashed potatoes, topped with a dollop of sour cream for a traditional finish.
Notes
- Be cautious with added salt since the sour cabbage is naturally salty.
- Using smoked meat like bacon, sausage, or smoked hock adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the tomato juice slightly before pouring it over the rolls.
- Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Ensure the rice is uncooked before mixing to allow it to cook properly in the slow cooker.
Keywords: cabbage rolls, slow cooker recipes, ground pork, sour cabbage, traditional Eastern European, smoked meat, comfort food