Holoobtsi

Description
Ukrainian cabbage rolls
 * Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

Ingredients

 * 1 large cabbage
 * 1 tsp salt
 * 2 cups boiling water
 * 1 cup ground cooked meat
 * 2 cups rice
 * 1½ cups tomato juice
 * 1 large onion - minced
 * ½ cup sour cream
 * 4 tbsp butter or bacon fat
 * salt and pepper

Directions

 * 1) Remove the cabbage core with a sharp knife.
 * 2) Place the cabbage in a deep pan and pour boiling water into the hollow of the core.
 * 3) Cover completely with boiling water.
 * 4) Let stand until the cabbage leaves are soft and pliable.
 * 5) Drain.
 * 6) Individually separate the cabbage leaves.
 * 7) Cut off the hard center stem from the leaves.
 * 8) If the leaves are really large, cut in half or in three.
 * 9) Wash the rice thoroughly.
 * 10) Add salt to the 2 cups of boiling water.
 * 11) Add the rice and bring to a boil.
 * 12) Cover and turn the heat off.
 * 13) Let stand until the rice has absorbed all the water.
 * 14) (the rice will only be partially cooked) saute the onion in butter or bacon fat.
 * 15) Add the meat if used and cook together for a few minutes.
 * 16) Combine with rice.
 * 17) Season to taste with salt and pepper.
 * 18) Cool this mixture.
 * 19) Line the bottom of a large baking dish with a few large cabbage leaves.
 * 20) Place a spoonful of rice mixture on each half of the leaves and roll up.
 * 21) Arrange the rolls in layers.
 * 22) The rolls should be small.
 * 23) Sprinkle each layer with salt.
 * 24) Mix the tomato juice and sour cream.
 * 25) Pour over the cabbage rolls.
 * 26) Cover with a few large leaves.
 * 27) Cover tightly and bake at 350°F for 2 hours or until the cabbage and the rice kernels are done.
 * 28) The rice kernels should be separate and not mushy.
 * 29) Place the hot holoobtsi on a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped crisp bacon.
 * 30) Serve with any meat course.