1poundground porkyou can also use turkey or beef if you'd like
1garlic clovepressed
1 1 /2tspHungarian paprika
1/2tspcaraway seedsground
1tspolive oil
1large onionfinely chopped, using red and yellow together is fine
1garlic clovechopped
1/2tspthyme or marjoram
1quart/litergood tomato sauce, marinara sauce, combination of small dice tomatoes with sauce is fine too. I've used my homemade tomato soup and it was yummy too.
2cupscooked ricewhite or brown is fine
1/2tspfreshly ground pepper or to taste
salt to taste
Cabbage Filling
1large fresh head of cabbage or 1 1/2 smaller ones.
1tspolive oil
1/2tspwhole caraway seeds
pinchsalt to season
Topping
1cuplow fat mozzarella cheese(optional)
Instructions
Meat Filling
In a bowl, season ground pork (1 pound), with pressed garlic (1clove), sweet hungarian paprika ( 1 and 1/2tsp), ground caraway seeds (1/2tsp), salt and pepper (1/2tsp) and to taste, stir until well combined.
In a deep skillet, heat olive oil (1tsp), add chopped onion (1 large onion) and saute until translucent. Add chopped garlic (1 large clove). Cook, stirring constantly for 30 second, up to a minute.
Add seasoned ground pork and cook on high for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Meat will gradually turn white.
Add tomato sauce (1quart/liter) or homemade tomato soup, or marinara sauce or combination of chopped tomatoes and sauce :-). Season with salt and pepper if needed. Bring mixture to simmer, cook for 20 - 25 minutes until mixture has thicken slightly. Once thickened add cooked rice (2cups), stir well and bring to simmer again. Stir in dry marjoram. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Cabbage Filling
Chop cabbage head thinly, either by hand or using a food processor.
In another pot heat remaining 1tsp olive oil. Add chopped/sliced cabbage, season with salt and whole caraway seeds (1/2tsp). Cook until cabbage is about 1/2 way cooked.
Layer
Spray casserole dish (I used 10x14 inch glass dish) with a nonstick spray.
Layer cabbage and meat filling into the casserole dish. Starting with the cabbage then layer meat filling then cabbage, finishing with meat. Cover dish tightly with an aluminum foil.
Bake
Preheat oven to 350F and bake for 45-50 minutes.
If desired, spread 1cup of cheese on the top, return to the oven and continue baking until cheese is melted and top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven. Let cool for 20-30 minutes. Serve warm.
Notes
How to Freeze Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Dish?
Let it cool completely. Cut it into large squares. Put the squares on a baking sheet layered with parchment and freeze for 2 hours. Then take individual frozen cubes and wrap them either individually or as in groups of 4-6. Them place wrapped cubes into freezer safe ziplog bags or containers. Freeze for up to 9 months.
I can't find caraway seeds, can I use something else?
Skip it and if you can't find it. Look in Polish stores, they usually carry caraway seeds ground and whole.
I don't like white rice can I use something else?
You can use barley, brown rice. Or try a mix of couscous, quinoa.