Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls – Töltött Káposzta

Hungarian Töltött Káposzta, or stuffed cabbage rolls, is one of Hungary’s most beloved traditional comfort foods. Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned ground pork and rice, then slowly cooked with sauerkraut and paprika until everything becomes rich, tender, and deeply flavorful.

The dish shown in your photo has the classic Hungarian appearance: large stuffed cabbage rolls served in a rich paprika-colored sauce with sauerkraut and tender pieces of pork.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large head of green cabbage or fermented cabbage
• 1½ lb (700 g) ground pork
• ½ cup (100 g) uncooked white rice
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon caraway seeds, optional
• 1 egg, optional

For Cooking

• 1½ lb (700 g) sauerkraut, drained
• 1–2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon Hungarian paprika
• 2 cups (480 ml) water or stock
• 1–2 bay leaves
• 300–400 g smoked pork or pork ribs, optional
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste or chopped tomatoes, optional

To Serve

• Sour cream
• Fresh bread
• Extra Hungarian paprika