Polish stuffed cabbage –Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that brings the rich flavors of Poland right to your kitchen? Today, we’re diving into a beloved classic: Gołąbki — Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. These delicious rolls are typically filled with a hearty mixture of meat and rice, all enveloped in tender cabbage leaves and smothered in a rich tomato sauce. Join me as we prepare this comforting dish that is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
Gołąbki: Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce
Let’s start with the star of the show! The image below showcases these delectable rolls, waiting to be savored.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 pound ground pork (or beef, or a mix)
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the head of cabbage and peel off the leaves, setting aside around 12-15 whole leaves. Blanch these leaves in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until they are pliable. Remove and set aside to cool.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until they are softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and dill. Combine the ingredients until well incorporated.
- Take one cabbage leaf and place a portion of filling (about 2-3 tablespoons) at the base of the leaf. Roll it up tightly, folding in the sides as you go. Repeat this for all the leaves and filling.
- In a large pot, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, lemon juice, and sugar (if using). Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot, covering them with the remaining sauce.
- Cover the pot, bring to a simmer, and cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through. Occasionally check and spoon sauce over the rolls to keep them moist.
Once done, serve your Gołąbki warm, drizzled with extra tomato sauce. Enjoy this hearty Polish dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!