Stuffed Cabbage Cake in a Bundt Pan

This Stuffed Cabbage Cake is a unique and visually stunning way to enjoy the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage. Cooked in a Bundt pan, it transforms the traditional dish into a beautiful, savory cake, perfect for impressing guests or adding a creative twist to your dinner table.

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Layers:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• Salted water for boiling

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a Bundt pan.
   • Carefully peel off the cabbage leaves, trying to keep them whole.
   • Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling salted water for a few minutes until they become pliable. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Filling:
   • In a bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, garlic, cooked rice, beaten egg, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Cabbage Cake:
   • Line the bottom and sides of the greased Bundt pan with cabbage leaves, letting them overlap and hang over the sides.
   • Add half of the meat mixture, pressing it down into the bottom.
   • Pour half of the tomato sauce over the meat.
   • Repeat with another layer of cabbage leaves, the remaining meat mixture, and tomato sauce.
   • Fold the overhanging cabbage leaves over the top to enclose the filling.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the Bundt pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to brown the top.
6. Serve:
   • Let the cabbage cake rest for 10 minutes after baking. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving platter.
   • Slice and serve the stuffed cabbage cake warm.

This innovative Stuffed Cabbage Cake is a fun and delicious way to serve a classic favorite. The Bundt pan not only gives it an attractive shape but also ensures even cooking and an impressive presentation. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish as a main course that’s sure to be a conversation starter!