Stuffed Cabbages

Ingredients :

¹/₃ head(s) uncooked savoy cabbage, about 8 whole leaves

¹/₂ pound(s) uncooked 93% lean ground beef

¹/₂ cup(s) uncooked white rice

¹/₂ fl oz mineral water

¹/₄ cup(s) seasoned breadcrumbs

1 medium uncooked carrot(s), peeled and grated

1 medium uncooked onion(s), finely chopped

1 clove(s), medium garlic clove(s), minced

1 large egg white(s)

¹/₂ tsp table salt

¹/₄ tsp black pepper

2 tsp olive oil

29 oz canned diced tomatoes, with basil, garlic and oregano

Directions:

Wrap cabbage leaves in plastic wrap or moist paper towels and microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes, until soft. Cut off the thickest, white portion of the spine of each leaf to make leaves pliable and easy to fold; set aside.

Combine beef, rice, water, bread crumbs, carrot, onion, garlic, egg white, salt and pepper in a large bowl; mix well.

Spoon about 1/4 cup of beef mixture onto center of each leaf. Fold up bottom of leaf to cover filling, tuck in sides and then continue rolling to make loose rolls (rice will expand during cooking so it is important not to roll them too tightly).

Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat; add rolls and sauté until golden brown on all sides, turning frequently, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook until cooked through, checking pot every 15 minutes and stirring to prevent sticking, about 1 hour. (If sauce thickens or reduces, add water.) Yields 2 rolls per serving.