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1
* (If you can't get them, saute/fry half-rings from 3-4 onions till very light golden brown, and keep the oil)
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2
1.
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3
Wrap cabbage well in microwaveable plastic (the same sort used to cover dishes).
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4
Microwave for 7-10 mins, depends on your microwave power.
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5
The cabbage should soften but not by too cooked.
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6
Leave to cold till can be handled.
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7
2.
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In a bowl, mix meat with uncooked rice, seasoning and onion.
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9
If using onions from scratch, put into mix some of the oil used for frying the onions.
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10
3.
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11
Separate carefully cabbage leaves, trying not to wound them.
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12
Put aside about 15-20 leaves.
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13
Chop coarsely the rest, and spread at the bottom of a wide pot.
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14
4.
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Put 1-2 tbs of meat mix into each leave.
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Roll, mix in sides, and then roll to the end.
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17
The idea is which the rolled leaves will be compact, but not too tight, to make room for rice to expand.
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18
5.
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19
Arrange rolled leaves on minced cabbage in pot.
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20
If any mix is left over, make meat balls and arrange inside pot as well.
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21
If any leaves are left over, it means you over indulged on filling, nevertheless chop and fill in pot.
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22
6.
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23
Pour over everything can of tomatoes.
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24
Cover with water.
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25
Cook on very low heat - the longer the better - at least 11/2 hour.
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26
About 1/2 hour before the end, squeeze juice form 1 lemon (or possibly more if desired) over.
