Part 5/9:
Once everything is cooked and cooled slightly, mix the meat, rice, herbs, spices, egg, and sautéed onions thoroughly with gloved hands for even distribution. To ensure seasoning, it’s recommended to taste-test a small piece of the mixture before stuffing.
Assembling the Rolls
Lay out each cabbage leaf flat, placing a heaping spoonful (roughly 60g) of filling near the center. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly like a burrito, seam side down to prevent them from unrolling during cooking. If a leaf tears or is too small, patch it with torn pieces or smaller leaves.
Arrange the assembled rolls tightly in a baking dish, placing them seam side down. The goal is to pack them snugly to hold their shape, filling the dish with as many rolls as can fit comfortably.