Pork Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Mėsainiai kopūstuose)

Mėsainiai kopūstuose, or Pork Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, are a traditional Lithuanian dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy family dinner. These cabbage rolls are filled with a savory mixture of pork, rice, and spices, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until tender and delicious.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Main Course Lithuanian Lithuanian Cuisine Cabbage Rolls Pork Recipe
Pork Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Mėsainiai kopūstuose)

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, then blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove and set aside to cool.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place a spoonful of the pork mixture onto each cabbage leaf, then roll them up, tucking in the sides to enclose the filling.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the stuffed cabbage rolls, seam side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
  5. Pour the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes over the cabbage rolls. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
  6. Serve the mėsainiai kopūstuose hot, spooning the tomato sauce over the top.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
18g
Carbohydrates
25g
Fat
20g

Supplies

Large pot Bowl Large pot or Dutch oven

Tools

Knife Cutting board Spoon

Serving suggestions

Serve the mėsainiai kopūstuose with a dollop of sour cream and a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

For a time-saving option, you can also use a pressure cooker to cook the stuffed cabbage rolls in about 20 minutes.

Cost

$15