Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage (Töltött Káposzta)

Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage (Töltött Káposzta) is one of Hungary’s most beloved traditional comfort foods. 🇭🇺🥬🍖 Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory mixture of seasoned ground pork and rice, then slowly simmered in a rich paprika-tomato sauce with smoked pork for an incredibly flavorful meal.

It is especially popular during Christmas, Easter, holidays, and large family gatherings, when a big pot can feed everyone around the table.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Cabbage

• 1 large head green or white cabbage
• 1½ lb (700 g) ground pork
• ½ cup uncooked white rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1½ tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp caraway seeds, optional

For the Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) sauerkraut, drained
• 1½ cups tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken or pork broth
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp Hungarian paprika
• 1–2 tbsp lard or vegetable oil
• 1–2 bay leaves
• 1 lb (450 g) smoked pork, ham, or smoked ribs, optional
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving

• Sour cream
• Fresh bread
• Chopped parsley, optional