Szabolcsi Stuffed Cabbage

Steps

• 1
  Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, wash them, then peel off the outer leaves one by one and boil them in salted water for 5 minutes. Cook the outer leaves a little longer until they soften and become pliable for rolling. Then place the leaves on a large platter, cut off the thicker veins, and cut the larger leaves in half.
• 2
  Finely chop the onion and sauté it in a little oil, then add crushed garlic and paprika. Mix this prepared stew base with rice, minced meat, egg, salt, and pepper for the filling. Form small balls by hand and roll them into the leaves: place 1 heaped tablespoon of filling on each leaf. Fold in the two sides of the leaves, roll them up firmly but not too tightly, then place them on a plate.
• 3
  Once all are prepared, place them on half of the chopped cabbage in a large pot. Add the sliced smoked bacon and the sliced sausage, then sprinkle with the remaining chopped cabbage. Pour in the tomato juice, lightly salt it, add one tablespoon of sugar, and pour in enough water to just cover the cabbage. Cover and cook over low heat for about 1.5 hours, checking for doneness by tasting. Finally, serve with sour cream and crusty bread.