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Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe (Gołąbki)

Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe (Gołąbki)

Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, also known as Gołąbki, are a traditional comfort food made with tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and herbs, then cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. This classic Polish dish is hearty, delicious, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For the Tomato Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken or beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and place the head in the boiling water.
  2. Boil for 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves are tender and pliable. Carefully remove the softened leaves and set them aside.
  3. Repeat until you have about 12-14 large cabbage leaves. Allow the leaves to cool slightly, then trim the thick part of the vein from each leaf to make them easier to roll.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, paprika, and parsley. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

  1. Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
  2. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up from the bottom to form a neat roll.
  3. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down on a plate as you work.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken or beef broth, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 5: Cook the Cabbage Rolls

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish.
  3. Arrange the cabbage rolls in the baking dish, seam-side down. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the rolls, making sure they are well covered.
  4. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  2. Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a generous spoonful of the tomato sauce. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Notes

  • Cabbage: If the cabbage leaves are too stiff to roll, return them to the boiling water for another minute or two until they become tender.
  • Rice: Make sure the rice is fully cooked before adding it to the filling mixture. Leftover rice works perfectly for this recipe.
  • Sauce: If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the diced tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.
  • Cooking Time: Cooking the cabbage rolls low and slow ensures that the cabbage becomes tender and the flavors meld together perfectly.

Variations

  • Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls: Replace the meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, and cooked quinoa for a delicious vegetarian version.
  • Sauerkraut Layer: Add a layer of sauerkraut to the bottom of the baking dish for a tangy twist that complements the cabbage rolls.
  • Spicy Cabbage Rolls: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the filling for a bit of heat.
  • Beef Only: If you prefer, you can use only ground beef instead of a mix of beef and pork.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the cabbage rolls a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply add the tomato sauce and bake.

2. How Do I Store Leftover Cabbage Rolls?

Store any leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

3. Can I Freeze Cabbage Rolls?

Yes, you can freeze cabbage rolls. Place the assembled rolls (before or after cooking) in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. What Can I Serve with Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Stuffed cabbage rolls pair well with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. A dollop of sour cream on top also adds a nice creamy contrast.

Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Gołąbki) are a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any family gathering or special occasion. With tender cabbage leaves filled with a flavorful meat and rice mixture, and baked in a rich tomato sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a taste of traditional Polish comfort food!