It's believed that the green color of cabbage represents money and financial prosperity, while the circular shape of the leaves symbolizes good fortune and the coming year coming full circle.
For the Sauce
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. dried oregano
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large deep skillet (or large pot) over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Pour over tomatoes then add vinegar, sugar, and oregano. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
For the Cabbage Rolls
15 cabbage leaves
1 lb. ground beef
1/4 c. uncooked white rice
1/4 c. Italian bread crumbs
1/2 large onion, chopped
2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, 1 cup sauce, rice, bread crumbs, onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
In a large pot of boiling water, blanch cabbage leaves until tender and flexible, about 1 minute.
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Using a paring knife, cut out the hard triangular rib from each cabbage leaf. Place about ⅓ cup filling into one end of each leaf, then roll up, tucking in the sides as you roll. Place rolls seam side-down on top of sauce in baking dish. Spoon remaining sauce on top of cabbage rolls then cover dish with foil. Bake 1 hour 15 minutes, until rice and meat are cooked through.
Garnish with more parsley before serving.
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