Favorite Stuffed Cabbage Rolls on a Vegetable Bed!!

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage (leaves separated)
• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional for topping)

For the Vegetable Bed:

• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) for garnish

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp vinegar (optional for tang)
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• 1 tsp paprika (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:
   
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully core the cabbage and remove the leaves one by one. Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Filling:
   
   • In a bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture), cooked rice, finely chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
5. Stuff the Cabbage Rolls:
   
   • Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center and roll up the cabbage leaf, folding in the sides as you go. Repeat until all the filling is used.
7. Prepare the Vegetable Bed:
   
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, arrange the sliced carrots, onions, and bell peppers in an even layer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
9. Arrange the Cabbage Rolls:
   
   • Place the stuffed cabbage rolls on top of the vegetable bed. Make sure they’re arranged in a single layer, not too crowded.
11. Make the Sauce:
    
    • In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, vegetable broth, vinegar, sugar, and paprika. Pour this sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well-coated.
13. Bake:
    
    • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
15. Optional Cheese Topping:
    
    • If desired, sprinkle grated cheese over the cabbage rolls during the last 10 minutes of baking. This will melt and form a delicious golden crust.
17. Garnish and Serve:
    
    • After baking, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Serve the cabbage rolls over the vegetable bed.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful stuffed cabbage rolls on a delicious vegetable bed!