OLD WORLD HOOLIPSEY (PORK, CABBAGE, & RICE)

NOTE: This recipe calls for ground pork.  It is important to use ground pork, not pork sausage.  Either grind your own pork or buy ground pork.

1 large head or 2 small to medium heads green cabbage
1 lb ground pork (see note above)
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups brown rice, uncooked
salt and pepper to suit your taste
1 jar (32-oz) sauerkraut, drained - juice reserved

Fill a large pot halfway full of water (large enough to hold the cabbage/cabbages whole).  Sprinkle with a little salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. 

Run a sharp knife around the cabbage stems to loosen leaves.  Lower the temperature of the water to a simmer.  Place the cabbage/cabbages core side down in the water.  Place lid on pot.

In a large bowl combine the ground pork, onion, rice, salt, and pepper.  Pour the juice reserved from the sauerkraut over the mixture.

Drain the cabbage and allow to cool enough to handle.  Remove the wilted leaves and set aside.

Layer half the sauerkraut in the bottom of the slow cooker or crockpot.

Place a tablespoon of the pork mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf; wrap leaf around pork and place, seam side down, atop the sauerkraut in the cooker.  Cover the cabbage rolls with the remaining sauerkraut. 

Place lid on cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.

To serve, gently lift the cabbage rolls from the sauerkraut and place on serving platter.  Serve the sauerkraut around the cabbage rolls.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings

file photo