Hearty and flavorful cabbage rolls featuring locally sourced Jersey cabbage, smoked sausage, and creamy Jersey Royal mashed potatoes.
**Prepare the Cabbage:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Core the cabbage. Carefully place the whole cabbage in the boiling water. As the outer leaves become pliable, gently peel them off with tongs and set aside to cool slightly. Repeat until you have about 12-15 large leaves.
**Prepare the Filling:** In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Slice the smoked sausage into small 1/4 inch thick pieces, then add it to the skillet, cook until it starts to brown. About 5 minutes.
Add the uncooked rice, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the rice and bloom the spices.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
**Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:** Lay a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. If the central vein is very thick, carefully trim it with a knife to make it easier to roll. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the rice and sausage filling in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf inwards, then roll from the bottom up, tucking the filling in as you go.
**Cook the Cabbage Rolls:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes in the bottom of a Dutch oven or casserole dish. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, packing them tightly together to prevent them from unrolling.
Pour the remaining crushed tomatoes and beef broth over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are mostly covered with liquid. If needed, add a little more broth or water.
Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through.
**Prepare the Mashed Jersey Royals:** While the cabbage rolls are baking, boil the Jersey Royal potatoes until tender. Drain well and return to the pot.
Mash the potatoes with a potato ricer or masher. Add the Jersey milk and Jersey butter and continue to mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
**Serve:** Garnish the cabbage rolls with fresh parsley. Serve hot, alongside a generous helping of the mashed Jersey Royal potatoes.
Nutrition per serving (460g)
To prevent the cabbage from tearing, you can freeze the whole cabbage overnight and then thaw it before cooking. This will make the leaves more pliable.
Adjust the amount of spices to your liking. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
If you don't have a Dutch oven, you can use a regular casserole dish covered with foil. Make sure the foil is tightly sealed to trap the moisture.
The cabbage rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Large Stockpot
Large Skillet
Oven-safe Dutch Oven or Casserole Dish
Potato Ricer or Masher
No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.