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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and place the head in the boiling water.
- Boil for 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves are tender and pliable. Carefully remove the softened leaves and set them aside.
- 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
- 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
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
- Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up from the bottom to form a neat roll.
- 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
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- 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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish.
- 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.
- 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
- Remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- 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!