Cabbage Rolls, also known as Golabki, Holubtsi, or Stuffed Cabbage, are a classic and comforting dish enjoyed in various culinary traditions around the world. Here’s a traditional recipe to make Cabbage Rolls:
Ingredients:
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Cabbage:
- Boil the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cut out the core of the cabbage and carefully place the whole head into the boiling water.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves become pliable.
- Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool.
- Separate the Leaves:
- Gently peel off the softened outer leaves of the cabbage. If the inner leaves are still tough, return the cabbage to the boiling water and repeat until you have enough leaves.
Making the Filling:
- Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Assembling the Cabbage Rolls:
- Fill and Roll:
- Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto the center of a cabbage leaf.
- Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and then roll it up from the bottom, creating a neat bundle.
- Secure the Rolls:
- Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in a large baking dish, making sure they are snugly packed to prevent unraveling.
Making the Tomato Sauce:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour over the Cabbage Rolls:
- Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well-covered.
Baking:
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the cabbage is tender.
Serving:
- Serve Warm:
- Serve the cabbage rolls warm, spooning some of the tomato sauce over each serving.
Cabbage Rolls are a hearty and flavorful dish that often brings a sense of nostalgia. Enjoy them as a main course, and don’t forget to serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side for an extra touch of richness.