Lazy Spring Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls are a lot of work. Instead, make just one rice- and pork-filled parcel and divvy it up like a cake. You lose nothing in flavour and save some precious time in return. If you have any doubts as to the freshness of your dried mint, purchase new, or use dried dill instead.

1 head Savoy cabbage

1 can (796 mL) Italian tomatoes

6 tbsp (90 mL) unsalted butter, divided 1 small onion, peeled and quartered

2 tbsp (30 mL) sweet Hungarian paprika Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1¼ cups (310 mL) medium-grain rice such as Calrose

1½ cups (375 mL) water

1 medium onion, chopped

6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 lbs (905 g) medium-ground pork

¼ cup (60 mL) 4% Greek yogurt, plus extra for serving

2 tbsp (30 mL) dried mint

Finely grated zest of 1 large lemon

1 Carefully remove the 10 largest outer leaves of cabbage; reserve remaining cabbage for another use. Trim the tough centre stem, 3 inches (8 cm) from root end, with a pair of kitchen shears; stack cabbage leaves and cook in boiling salted water for 10 minutes or until pliable.

2 Meanwhile, purée tomatoes; strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Combine tomato purée with 3 tbsp (45 mL) butter, quartered onion and paprika in a medium pot.

3 Once cabbage is cooked, measure 1 cup (250 mL) of the cooking water and add to tomato mixture; drain cabbage and set aside.

4 Season tomato mixture with salt and pepper and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to low and simmer 30 minutes or until the consistency of heavy cream; reserve.

5 Combine rice and water in a medium pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium-low, cover and cook for 15 minutes or until no liquid remains. Scrape into a large bowl and cool to room temperature.

6 Heat remaining 3 tbsp (45 mL) butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Add to rice along with pork, yogurt, mint, lemon zest and 1 tbsp (15 mL) salt. Season with black pepper. Using your hands, work mixture together.

7 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

8 Spread one-half of the tomato sauce over bottom of a round 9-inch (23-cm) non-reactive baking dish. Line with the cabbage, being sure to completely cover bottom and leaving enough overhang to enclose filling. Fill with pork mixture and fold cabbage over to enclose. Top with remaining sauce. Cover dish with foil and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes or until bubbling and hot in the centre.

9 Cut into wedges and serve with extra yogurt.

Serves 8