Remove the large vein at the base of each leaf to make rolling easier.
Tip: If the cabbage remains too firm, plunge it back into boiling water for a few minutes and remove some more leaves.
Step 2: Prepare the Stuffing
In a large bowl, mix the minced meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, parsley, egg, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper.
Mix gently by hand or with a spoon until homogeneous (avoid overworking the stuffing so as not to make it compact).
Step 3: Rolling the Cabbage Leaves
Lay a cabbage leaf on a board, vein down.
Place 2–3 tablespoons of stuffing near the base of the leaf.
Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly like a burrito.
Repeat the process until all the stuffing and leaves are used up.
