Part 6/9:
Preparing the Sauces
The sauce forms the flavorful base for braising the cabbage rolls. A simple mixture of:
Tomato paste (6 oz can)
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon)
Cider vinegar (2 tablespoons)
Hot water (4 cups or 1 liter)
is combined, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. The mixture is heated until it simmers, then reduced slightly for thickness. For a glossy finish and extra richness, butter (roughly 3 tablespoons) is stirred in at the end, giving the sauce a beautiful sheen.
Cooking the Cabbage Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for approximately 2-3 hours, checking for doneness after 2 hours. The goal is to achieve tender rolls that have absorbed the flavors of the sauce.