Cabbage Rolls! Easy to Follow, Step-by-Step Recipe

Introduction

Cabbage rolls, known as Gołąbki in Polish, are a traditional dish that is comforting and full of flavor. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create delicious cabbage rolls with a savory filling.

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cabbage (about 3 lbs or 1.3 kg) – or use 2 smaller heads
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml)
  • 1 cup diced onion (150g)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large mushrooms, finely diced (1 1/2 cups or 150g) (optional)
  • 1 lb ground sirloin (450g)
  • 3/4 cup uncooked long grain rice (brown or white) (150g)
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley (15g)
  • 1 cup canned tomato puree (240ml)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt (9g)
  • Pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup liquid (beef stock, cabbage water, or combine with some leftover tomato) (180ml)

Number of Servings

This recipe makes approximately 16 cabbage rolls, serving 6-8 people.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information per serving (assuming 8 servings) is as follows:

  • Calories: 230
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 16g

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

  1. Boil the Cabbage
    • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cut the center core out of the cabbage and place it, core side down, in boiling water. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

  1. Sauté Aromatics
    • While the cabbage simmers, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sauté the onion and garlic for 3-5 minutes until browned. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

  1. Remove Leaves
    • Remove the cabbage from the pot and place it on a rimmed baking sheet, keeping the water in the pot. Gently remove the leaves from the cabbage, cutting away from the core with a small knife. Set aside the best 16 unbroken leaves and cut off the thick spine in the center for easier rolling. Set all remaining broken or small cabbage leaves aside. (If the core is too firm, return it to boiling water for a few minutes to soften.)

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat Oven
    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 5: Mix the Filling

  1. Combine Ingredients
    • To the cooled onion mixture, add the ground sirloin, uncooked rice, chopped parsley, tomato puree, salt, and pepper. Combine well.

Step 6: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

  1. Fill and Roll
    • Place about 1/4 cup of the filling in each cabbage leaf, roll tightly, and place seam side down in a 13 by 9-inch baking pan. Pour the liquid over the rolls and lay some leftover cabbage leaves on top.

Step 7: Bake the Cabbage Rolls

  1. Bake
    • Cover the pan tightly with foil, and bake for 1 1/2 hours. (Place the pan on a cookie sheet in case it drips.)

Step 8: Rest and Serve

  1. Let Rest
    • Remove from the oven and let the rolls rest for 30 minutes. For even better flavor, let them cool and refrigerate overnight. They also freeze well for future meals.

Conclusion

These Cabbage Rolls / Polish Gołąbki are a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Perfect for a hearty meal, they are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Enjoy making and savoring these traditional cabbage rolls!

Enjoy your meal and the delightful taste of these authentic Polish cabbage rolls!