Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (polish Gołąbki)

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, known as Polish Gołąbki, are a classic dish in Eastern European cuisine. These hearty cabbage rolls are filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, then simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. They are a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Main Course Eastern European Polish Cuisine Cabbage Stuffed Rolls Comfort Food
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (polish Gołąbki)

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Carefully add the whole head of cabbage and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves are soft and pliable. Remove the cabbage from the pot and carefully peel off the leaves. Trim the thick center vein from each leaf.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto the center of each cabbage leaf. Roll the leaf around the filling, tucking in the sides as you roll, to create a neat package.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to create the sauce.
  5. Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in a large pot. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the rolls.
  6. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for 1.5-2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.
  7. Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, spooning the tomato sauce over the top.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
2 hours
Total time:
2 hours
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large pot Knife Bowl Spoon

Tools

Cutting board Cooking spoon Pot lid

Serving suggestions

Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream and a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

To make the cabbage leaves easier to roll, you can also freeze the whole head of cabbage for a few days before cooking. Thaw it completely before boiling.

Cost

$15