Kasha Kabbage Rolls

Directions

1. 1
   If you have the time, freeze the cabbage head for two days.
2. 2
   FOR THE KABBAGE:
3. 3
   Thaw it overnight in a colander in the sink. The leaves will come apart easily and be pliable. Otherwise, cook whole head of cabbage in boiling water about 5 minutes to soften the leaves. Drain and set aside.
4. 4
   Saute onion in oil in a heavy 2- to 3-quart pot. Add the kasha and turn it in the oil to coat all the grains. Add salt, pepper, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover.
5. 5
   Simmer 15 to 20 minutes, beginning to check at 15 minutes. When only a small amount of water remains in the bottom of the pot, remove from heat. Let sit a few minutes until the kasha absorbs the water. Stir to fluff and to separate the grains.
6. 6
   Preheat oven to 350°F.
7. 7
   Separate the cabbage leaves. On each leaf, place 2 or 3 heaping tablespoons of kasha. Fold one edge of the leaf over the filling, tuck in the sides, and roll.
8. 8
   Cut up any leftover cabbage and place in an oiled baking dish or casserole. Place rolls seam side down on top. Pour in sauce almost to cover. Cover with foil or lid and bake about 2 hours, or until cabbage is tender.
9. 9
   Uncover for the last 45 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Baste occasionally and adjust seasoning according to your taste.
10. 10
    SAUCE:
11. 11
    Drain some of the liquid from the tomatoes into a heavy 3 quart pot. Stir in the tomato paste and stir until smooth.
12. 12
    Add remaining contents of tomato cans. Mash the tomatoes with a potato masher to break them up. Stir in the rest of the ingredients.
13. 13
    Simmer about 10 minutes. Stir and add to baking pan as called for in above recipe.
14. 14
    Bon Appetit!