Q. My mother decided to make a big batch of cabbage rolls this year. She made so many that she started gifting them to her kids. As a result, I now have a big bag of cabbage rolls that I don’t know what to do with. My kids won’t eat them, and my husband only likes to have one once in a while. There’s no way I’m going to get through the bag of them in time. My mother would be so upset if she knew that I threw away the food she cooked for me. Is there any way that I can save them for later without ruining the taste or texture? Can you freeze cabbage rolls?
A. You can certainly freeze cabbage rolls! Many people cook and freeze cabbage rolls as a yearly ritual. The key is to make sure that the cabbage rolls don’t get freezer burned, and that they are eaten within a year. The filling is fairly dry and doesn’t include any sauce that would cause the cabbage rolls to absorb liquid, and the cabbage wrapping is pretty hardy and able to withstand a deep freeze well. My biggest caution is to ensure that you don’t freeze cabbage rolls already drenched in sauce. If you like to eat your cabbage rolls with tomato soup or another sauce poured over them, the rice may absorb more liquid than you like during the freezing process. Instead, add any sauces while cooking.
How to freeze cabbage rolls?
To freeze cabbage rolls, freeze them in single serving size packages. I recommend freezing them in freezer bags, which allows you to remove as much air as possible. Choose a bag that corresponds to the number of cabbage rolls you want to freeze in a package. Nestle them into the freezer bag, and then remove the excess air. Seal the bag, then label and date it. Continue with the rest of the cabbage rolls. Stack the packages of cabbage rolls on top of each other in the freezer, and don’t place anything heavy on top of the packages.
To eat the frozen cabbage rolls, remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight. You can cook them from frozen, but I find it takes less time if you start with defrosted ones. Then, place the cabbage rolls into an oven safe container, and top with sauce if desired. Heat through. Do not refreeze previously frozen cabbage rolls.
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