Introduction:
Delve into the comforting flavors of traditional Polish cuisine with these Stuffed Polish Cabbage Rolls (Gołąbki). Filled with a savory blend of ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, each bite brings warmth and a taste of home. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy meal on a chilly evening!
⏱ Prep Time: 30 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 90 minutes
⏲ Total Time: 2 hours
🍽 Servings: 6
🔥 Calories per Serving: ~400 kcal
🥬 Ingredients
For the Cabbage & Filling:
- 🥬 1 large head green cabbage (about 12–14 leaves)
- 🥩 1 lb ground meat (beef )
- 🍚 1 cup cooked rice
- 🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 🧄 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🧂 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for seasoning)
- 🧂 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 🌿 1/2 tsp dried marjoram (or thyme)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 🍅 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 🧅 1 small onion, chopped
- 🧄 1 garlic clove, minced
- 🥣 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 🍅 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 🍃 1 bay leaf
- 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
- 🍬 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 🌶️ 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 🧴 2 tbsp olive oil
📝 Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully separate 12–14 large outer cabbage leaves.
- Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until they are soft and pliable. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
- (Optional: Trim the thick vein from the base of each leaf to make rolling easier.)
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and dried marjoram.
- Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Place about 2–3 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly, ensuring the filling is well encased.
- Set the rolls aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and paprika (if using), cooking for an additional minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, then add the bay leaf, salt, pepper, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
- Gently place the cabbage rolls into the tomato sauce, spooning some sauce over the top.
- Cover the pot and let simmer over low heat for about 60–90 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Spoon the cabbage rolls and extra sauce onto plates.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
🤩 Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Polish Cabbage:
- Traditional Comfort: Enjoy a classic Eastern European dish that’s both hearty and soul-warming.
- Flavorful Harmony: The tender cabbage, savory meat filling, and tangy tomato sauce create a perfect balance of flavors.
- Family Favorite: Ideal for gatherings, this dish is even better as leftovers when the flavors deepen.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning and meat-to-rice ratio to suit your taste.
💡 Tips:
- Leaf Prep: Blanching the cabbage leaves is key—they should be soft enough to roll without tearing.
- Don’t Overfill: Place just the right amount of filling in each leaf to avoid bursting during cooking.
- Simmer Gently: Low and slow cooking allows the flavors to meld without the cabbage becoming mushy.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls a day in advance and refrigerate; just add extra sauce when reheating.
- Leftover Love: These rolls often taste even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prep!
Enjoy your Stuffed Polish Cabbage Rolls—a timeless dish filled with hearty flavor and comforting warmth!