Sarmale (Stuffed Cabbage) | Saveur

Ingredients

• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1 large head green cabbage, cored
• 1⁄2 cup long-grain rice
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1⁄2 white onion, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
• 1 1⁄2 tbsp. dried bread crumbs
• 1⁄2 tbsp. sweet paprika
• 1⁄4 tsp. crushed red chile flakes
• 12 oz. ground beef
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups sauerkraut, rinsed (optional)
• 8 sprigs fresh thyme
• 6 strips bacon (optional)
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 (28-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes, undrained and crushed
• 1⁄2 cup chicken stock