Combine all stuffing ingredients (flesh, spices, rice) except cabbage. Mix well by hand. Add the optional egg if dry or if desired. Can be tasted to check for sharpness of paprika flavour. (If using fresh cabbage, add 1 teaspoon salt to stuffing mix).

Either buy sauerkrauted cabbage leaves packed individially in packages or remove core from large cabbage, add some salt and lots of water to a large pot and boil the cabbage until the leaves are tender. Strip cooked leaves from cabbage. They should be soft and flexible. If the stem is still tough, it can be cut out.

Place portions (around 1/2 cup) in individual cabbage leaves and roll, tucking in the sides as you go.

Do not rinse sauerkraut. Line bottom of large pot (at least 3 gallon size) with bacon. Place on stove for a few minutes until fat is removed from the flesh. Remove from heat. (this is an optional step) Add one-half the sauerkraut, and all the onion/garlic. Place stuffed rolls in pan stacking them around and on top of each other until all used. Add the rest of the sauerkraut on top of stacked rolls. Add enough water to cover rolls. This can be plain water, or water that a smoked ham or other smoked meat has been cooked in. (best!)

Sprinkle on the top the peppercorns, whole peppers and bay leaves. Cover and put on low heat for at least 3 to 4 hours cooking. Do not stir. Watch carefully so it does not cook too fast.

When the rolls are tender, remove the large whole paprikas and bay leaves. (peppercorns can remain) Remove the rolls from the kraut and set aside.

In the pan where you melted the pig/goose fat, add flour and cook stirring constantly until mixture has turned a light brown colour. When colour is OK, add paprika powder and then add this mixture to the kraut mixture in the empty pot. Stir thoroughly and then re-add the kraut rolls. This mixture can now be eaten or frozen in portions. When serving, serve with sour cream dobbed over the hot cabbage rolls. Serve with potatoes or bread.