Savoy Cabbage Rolls

Name: Savoy Cabbage Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Verza (savoy cabbage) 4 leaves; Sausage 7.1 oz; Potatoes 0.8 lb; Valtellina Casera cheese 3.5 oz; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Rosemary 1 sprig; Garlic 1 clove; Sage 4 leaves; Butter 3 ½ tbsp; Garlic 2 cloves

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Gluten Free

Difficulty: Average
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Makes: 4
Cost: Low
Note + 15 minutes of soaking the potatoes

PRESENTATION

Cabbage rolls from Northern and Central Italy? They totally remind me of cozy kitchens and chilly winter nights. You know, those ones where you just want something warm. Over there, savoy cabbage, or verza, is a real staple. It's got this slightly crinkly look and after cooking, it's so tender. The stuffed cabbage rolls are filled with a rich mix of potatoes and sausage—seriously good. But the fun part? Customizing them. Italians love tossing in cheese, leftover veggies, or even some crispy pancetta. Makes each roll really, really satisfying. Just use what you have to whip up something warm and moist.

Take a bite, and it is like the cabbage wraps everything in a flavorful hug. And the filling stays tender and savory after baking—really delicious comfort food. The mix of flavors? It’s just special. Each bit enhances the others.

In places like Emilia-Romagna or Lombardy, these cabbage roll recipe ideas are weekend favorites. Or they make a hearty appetizer for guests. Every family adds their own twist. Some like more sausage, others add extra potatoes or rice. It makes these cabbage rolls perfect for experimenting—no question. Italian home cooks? They’re pros at personalizing recipes. Don't hesitate to throw in your favorite ingredients or leftovers. And look, the golden edges that form during baking? Add such a satisfying crunch. While inside stays moist and flavorful.

These stuffed cabbage rolls are fantastic for potlucks or holiday gatherings. Pretty simple, really. They show off the magic of simple ingredients. If you’re hunting for a new comfort food option or want an easy twist on homemade cabbage rolls, this dish offers endless possibilities. Keep everyone happy, for sure. Celebrate the heartiness of Italian cooking, especially in the colder months, and let your creativity fly in the kitchen. So, roll up those sleeves. Get ready for a warm meal that's bound to become a family fave.

INGREDIENTS

for 4 rolls: Verza (savoy cabbage) 4 leaves; Sausage 7.1 oz (200 g); Potatoes 0.8 lb (350 g); Valtellina Casera cheese 3.5 oz (100 g); Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Rosemary 1 sprig; Garlic 1 clove

for seasoning: Sage 4 leaves; Butter 3 ½ tbsp (50 g); Garlic 2 cloves

Preparation

How to prepare Savoy Cabbage Rolls

To prepare the savoy cabbage rolls, start by thoroughly washing the potatoes, cut them into chunks no larger than 1 cm (1/2 inch) 1 without peeling them, and immerse them in water 2. Add half a tablespoon of salt 3 and let them sit for 15 minutes.

Afterwards, heat a large pan, add a drizzle of oil and season with rosemary and garlic 4. Drain the potatoes and toss them into the hot pan 5. Briefly sauté them, then cover with a lid 6, and let them cook on high heat until the potatoes are golden brown; about 5-10 minutes.

Meanwhile, peel the sausage 7 and cut it into chunks roughly the size of the potatoes 8. Remove the lid and discard the aromatics 9.

Add a splash of oil 10, toss in the sausage 11, and cook until golden brown for about 5 minutes, season with salt 12 and pepper. Let cool.

Remove the tougher leaves from the cabbage 13, keep the lighter ones and blanch them in boiling salted water for a couple of minutes 14. Drain them in cold water 15.

Pat dry with a paper towel 16. Grate the Casera cheese 17. Fill each leaf with the cheese 18.

Add about a tablespoon of the sausage and potato filling 19. Fold the sides of the leaf towards the center 20, then roll it up 21.

This will make 4 rolls. Prepare the browned butter. In a small pan, melt the butter with peeled and sliced garlic cloves 23. When it reaches a nice amber color and the garlic cloves are browned, turn off the heat 34 and strain.

Place the rolls in a baking dish lined with parchment paper 25; top each with a sage leaf and drizzle the surface with the browned butter 26. Bake at 340°F (about 465°F) on the middle-upper shelf for about 10-15 minutes. The savoy cabbage rolls are ready to be enjoyed 27.

Storage

You can store the savoy cabbage rolls in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in a resealable glass container. You can also freeze them if you used very fresh ingredients.

You can prepare the rolls in advance, keep them in the refrigerator, and then cook them as needed.

Advice

Soaking the potatoes will lose their starch and become crispier when cooked. For a softer filling, you can use boiled and mashed potatoes, to be mixed with the sausage sautéed in the pan.

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