Mozzarella Stuffed Cabbage with Marinara

This candle is part of my daily kitchen ritual. Every time I cook in the kitchen, I light a scented candle and place it in front of my cutting board. I usually put on some music too --- my attempt to escape the toddler tunes that I must endure all day, every day. I know all of the lyrics to Sid the Science Kid, Martha Speaks, and Super Why. Even though I hate them, I actually sing them throughout the day. So, while trying to push Martha Speaks out of my mind, I played Edith Piaf on the computer, lit the candle, and started working on dinner. The chicken I made isn't worth mentioning, so I will just link back to the original recipe. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either (a bit bland). The stuffed cabbage is another story. I love everything about this side dish, and I inhaled it in a very unladylike manner. 

Kitchen Tip: Smash the tomatoes with a potato masher.

Carefully peel the cabbage leaves off.

Add the mozzarella and roll up.

Pour on the marinara sauce.

Sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese.

Serve!

Mozzarella Stuffed Cabbage with Marinara

Serving Size = 3 - 4

• 1 head of cabbage
• 2 cans of whole tomatoes, with liquid
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons or so of sugar, to taste (optional)
• Salt/Pepper
• 1 fresh mozzarella ball, cut into 8 pieces
• 1/8 cup or so of freshly grated Parmesan

1. Place some oil in a medium stockpot and add the garlic, cook until fragrant. Add the two cans of whole tomatoes, and squish with a potato masher. Add the oregano, basil, pepper flakes, salt and pepper. If the sauce is sour, add a bit of sugar to sweeten it up. Simmer until the sauce thickens, which could take 40 minutes or so. 
2. Fill a large stockpot with water and some salt. Heat on high until boiling. While that is heating, peel off 8 cabbage leaves (it's ok if a few tear a bit). When the water boils, add the leaves and cook for about 5 - 8 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside to cool.
3. Once cooled, place one piece of mozzarella in one leaf and roll up, placing seam side down in a casserole dish. Keep doing this until all of the mozzarella and cabbage is used up. Since cabbage is watery, you might want to drain some of the water out of the casserole dish. 
4. Pour on the marinara sauce, sprinkle on the Parmesan and place into an oven preheated to 375F for 15-25 minutes, until bubbling and the cheese has melted.

Linking to: Hearth and Soul, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Tuesday Night Supper Club, Tasty Tuesday, Kitchen Tip Tuesday