Macedonian Cabbage Rolls (Sarma)

Ingredients (25)

• FOR THE CABBAGE:
• 25 to 30 pickled (fermented) cabbage leaves, if you can't find pickled cabbage leaves, use fresh cabbage, instead
• 1 head cabbage leaves separated (use these if you can't find pickled cabbage leaves)
• Water
• Salt
• FOR THE FILLING:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 yellow onions, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 fresh tomatoes, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
• 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 1 cup halved walnut pieces
• FOR THE SAUCE:
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 2 cups hot water or vegetable broth, you can also use chicken broth, or beef broth