Indulge in the hearty flavors of Hungary with Töltött Káposzta, a beloved traditional dish featuring tender cabbage leaves enveloping a delectable filling of seasoned minced meat and rice, all simmered to perfection in a rich tomato-based sauce. This iconic Hungarian specialty tantalizes the taste buds with its savory blend of ingredients, offering a satisfying culinary experience that captures the essence of Hungarian cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a comforting family meal or showcased as a highlight of a festive gathering, Töltött Káposzta promises to be a delicious journey into the heart of Hungarian culinary tradition.

Here's a recipe for Hungary's Töltött Káposzta:

Ingredients:

For the cabbage rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 500g ground pork or beef (or a mix of both)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)

For the tomato sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1- Prepare the cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully remove the outer leaves, keeping them intact. Blanch the cabbage leaves in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove and set aside to cool.

2- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and caraway seeds. Mix until well combined.

3- Assemble the cabbage rolls: Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the filling in the center. Roll the leaf tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

4- Make the tomato sauce: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato passata or crushed tomatoes, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, then add the beef or vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.

5- Cook the stuffed cabbage rolls: Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the tomato sauce. Cover and simmer over low heat for 45-60 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add more broth or water as needed.

6- Serve: Once cooked, remove the stuffed cabbage rolls from the sauce and arrange them on a serving platter. Spoon the tomato sauce over the top and serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Töltött Káposzta, a delicious taste of Hungarian cuisine!

Nutritional Values:

Providing precise nutritional values for a recipe can vary depending on factors like specific brands of ingredients used and portion sizes. However, I can offer approximate nutritional information for the main ingredients typically used in Töltött Káposzta:

Cabbage (1 large head):

• Calories: 227
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 18g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:Rich in vitamins K and C, as well as fiber, cabbage supports digestive health, boosts immunity, and promotes healthy skin.

Ground pork or beef (500g):

• Calories: 1230 (ground pork) / 920 (ground beef)
• Protein: 80g (ground pork) / 100g (ground beef)
• Fat: 100g (ground pork) / 60g (ground beef)
• Note: Values may vary based on fat content of the meat.

benefits:High in protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc, ground meat helps build and repair muscle, supports immune function, and contributes to overall health and wellbeing.

Cooked rice (1 cup):

• Calories: 206
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0.4g

benefits:A good source of carbohydrates for energy, rice also provides some protein and various vitamins and minerals like manganese and magnesium.

Onion (1 medium):

• Calories: 44
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:Onions are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, and fiber, promoting heart health, boosting immunity, and aiding digestion.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 9
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:Known for its potent medicinal properties, garlic contains compounds that may help reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and boost immunity.

Egg (1 large):

• Calories: 72
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 0.4g

benefits:Eggs are packed with high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and various vitamins and minerals, supporting muscle growth, brain function, and overall health.

Tomato passata or crushed tomatoes (2 cups):

• Calories: 90
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Paprika (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 20
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:Paprika contains antioxidants like beta-carotene and capsaicin, which may help reduce inflammation, improve eye health, and boost metabolism.

Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Fat: 28g
• Note: Values may vary depending on the type of oil used.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as cooking methods and specific ingredients used.