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🥬 Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
A comforting classic that warms hearts and fills homes with love.
🌿 Introduction
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, also known as Golubtsi in Russia, Holubky in Ukraine, and Gołąbki in Poland, are a beloved old-fashioned dish that has traveled generations. Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a delicious filling of seasoned ground meat and rice, then slowly simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish combines comfort, nostalgia, and flavor in every bite — perfect for family dinners, festive holidays, or cozy weekends.
🕰️ A Bit of History
Stuffed cabbage rolls have roots tracing back hundreds of years across Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. The word gołąbki (Polish) translates to “little pigeons,” inspired by the shape of the rolls. Each country has its own variation — some use lamb, others pork or beef, and sauces range from tangy tomato to creamy sour cream-based gravies. Immigrants brought this humble meal to America, and it quickly became a symbol of home-cooked love.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional for color and flavor)
- ½ tsp dried thyme or parsley
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice (for tang)
- Salt and pepper to taste
🍳 Instructions & Methods
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully place the whole cabbage in the pot and boil for about 5–8 minutes, gently peeling off softened outer leaves with tongs as they loosen.
- Set the leaves aside to cool. Trim the thick vein at the base of each leaf to make rolling easier.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix until just combined — don’t overwork the meat to keep it tender.
Step 3: Form the Rolls
- Place about 2 tablespoons of filling on each cabbage leaf.
- Fold the sides over the filling, then roll from the stem end to enclose completely.
- Repeat with all leaves until the filling is used.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
- In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter and sauté onion until soft.
- Add garlic and cook briefly, then stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, brown sugar, and vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Rolls
- Arrange rolls seam-side down in a large pot or baking dish.
- Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the rolls.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1½ to 2 hours, or simmer gently on the stovetop for the same amount of time.
- The cabbage should be tender and the sauce rich and flavorful.
🌟 Benefits
- Rich in vitamins: Cabbage provides Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Protein-packed: The ground meat adds muscle-building protein.
- Digestive health: The rice and cabbage offer fiber for gut health.
- Low-cost & filling: A hearty dish that feeds many with minimal expense.
- Comforting & nostalgic: The flavor evokes home, tradition, and love.
🧩 Formation & Serving
Serve your stuffed cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream or a slice of rustic bread. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. These rolls are even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight!
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Sugars: 7g
💞 For the Lovers of Comfort Food
If you adore recipes that connect you to generations past — the scent of simmering sauce filling your kitchen, the warmth of shared meals — this dish is for you. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls aren’t just food; they’re a hug on a plate.
🏁 Conclusion
Old Fashioned Stuffed Cabbage Rolls represent everything we love about traditional cooking — time, patience, and heart. Whether enjoyed at a family table or served to guests, each roll carries a story of culture, care, and flavor. Bring comfort to your table and share the love, one roll at a time. 🥰
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