Traditional Romanian Cabbage Rolls with Pork and Sour Cream

Method

1. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften.
2. In a bowl, mix the ground pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center.
4. Roll the cabbage leaf tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.
5. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
6. Place the rolled cabbage in a pot, add the sour cream and water, and cover.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours until the cabbage is tender.
8. Serve warm with additional sour cream on the side.
9. Check that the ground meat reaches 71°C (160°F) throughout before serving.