Stuffed Cabbage Cups

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 2

For the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, brown sugar and Worcestershire and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes.

Step 3

For the cabbage cups: Meanwhile, add the cabbage leaves to the pot of boiling salted water and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Remove with tongs and place in a colander. Rinse under cold water, then drain and pat dry.

Step 4

Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, green pepper, celery and 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the paprika and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beef and pork and cook, stirring and breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Add the cooked rice and stir to combine and warm through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the parsley.

Step 5

Finish the sauce by stirring in the sour cream until fully incorporated. To serve, divide the beef mixture among the cabbage leaves and top each with some sauce.