Niño Envuelto Recipe (Rice & Beef Wrapped in Cabbage)

• 1 head of cabbage (pick one with thin outer layers)

For the filling

• 1 clove garlic
• 8 basil leaves
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 small red onion
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (freshly-cracked, or ground)
• 1 pound minced beef [0.45 kg]
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 3 cups cooked white rice (arroz blanco per our recipe)

For the tomato sauce for serving

• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups large tomato peeled and seeded
• 2 cloves garlic crushed
• ¼ teaspoon oregano (dry, ground)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (white, granulated)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper (freshly-cracked, or ground) (or to taste)