Zakarpattia-Style Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Carefully peel off the cabbage leaves one by one, blanch them in the boiling water for a couple of minutes until they become pliable, then set them aside to cool.
2. Make the Filling:

In a bowl, combine the ground pork, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.
3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:

Place a spoonful of the filling onto each cabbage leaf, then fold the sides in and roll it up tightly, similar to a burrito. Place the rolls seam side down in a large pot.
4. Cook the Cabbage Rolls:

Pour the diced tomatoes over the cabbage rolls in the pot.
Add the chicken or vegetable broth until the rolls are halfway covered.
Cover the pot with a lid and simmer over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is soft and the filling is cooked through. Check occasionally and add more broth if needed.
5. Serve:

Once the cabbage rolls are cooked through, serve them hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
6. Enjoy:

Enjoy these Zakarpattia-style cabbage rolls with their soft cabbage leaves, juicy filling, and rich flavors.
Notes:

For an extra layer of flavor, you can brown the cabbage rolls in a skillet before simmering them in the tomato broth.
These cabbage rolls are even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
This Zakarpattia-style cabbage rolls recipe will yield delicious, tender cabbage rolls with a juicy filling that holds together perfectly, providing a delightful dining experience reminiscent of the flavors of Zakarpattia.