Sue's Famous Stuffed Cabbage

Directions

1. 1) Cook the rice according to package directions.
   
   2) Boil the cabbage until it is soft and tender enough to roll.
   
   3) Mix the rice, raw meat, salt, pepper and garlic powder together in a bowl.
   
   4) Carefully peel the the cabbage apart, laying out the leaves. Approximately one large leaf is sufficient to make one cabbage roll.
   
   5) Try to make your cabbage rolls approximately the same size. Portion out enough of your meat mixture for each leaf and roll.
   
   6) As you get to the center of the head of cabbage, the leaves become smaller. Slice and save any cabbage pieces that are too small to roll.
   
   7) In a large deep pot, put the ham hocks, some of the leftover cabbage and kraut on the bottom. Just enough to layer the bottom of the pot. Put some of the stuffed cabbage pieces so they sit on top. Continue layering with sliced cabbage and kraut and then the prepared rolls on top until your done.
   
   8) Pour the can of tomatoes on top of the mixture. Add enough water until you see it on the sides of the pot. Pot should be about 3/4 full.
   
   9) Cover and cook the cabbage mixture on the stove at medium heat for about 2 1/2 hours.
   
   10) Serve stuffed cabbage rolls topped with the sauce / kraut mixture.
   
   This recipe for stuffed cabbage is a hearty dish combining meat, rice and vegetable. It may be served as a main dish on it's own or with a green vegetable or baked potato.
   
   Stuffed cabbage is a great appetizer or a complimentary side dish for smoked sausage and pierogies.