If you’re in the mood for a hearty and comforting dish, this Slovak stuffed cabbage, also known as Halupki, is the perfect recipe to try. It’s a flavorful meal that brings together simple ingredients and rustic cooking methods, creating a satisfying meal for the whole family. Let’s dive into this delightful dish!
HALUPKI (Slovak stuffed cabbage)
This dish combines the crunch of cabbage with a savory meat filling, making each bite deliciously satisfying. The combination of spices and ingredients in the filling gives it a unique flavor that’s truly memorable.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head and place it in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, until the outer leaves begin to soften. Remove the cabbage and let it cool.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until the onion becomes translucent.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until well combined.
- Once the cabbage is cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the soft leaves. If some leaves are too stiff, return them to the boiling water for another minute.
- For each leaf, place a generous scoop of the beef mixture at the base and roll it up, tucking in the sides to secure the filling. Repeat until all mixture is used.
- In a large baking dish, spread some of the tomato sauce across the bottom. Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top, sprinkling with brown sugar and diced tomatoes.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After an hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the tops to get a nice golden color.
- Once done, let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Halupki with a side of fresh bread or a simple salad!
This comforting dish brings warmth and joy, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Enjoy your homemade Halupki!