Slovak stuffed cabbage –There’s truly something comforting about a warm dish of stuffed cabbage that transcends boundaries. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for Halupki, a delightful Slovak dish that combines tender cabbage leaves with a savory filling. This hearty meal is perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings where you want to impress your guests with a taste of tradition.
Ingredients
To prepare this delectable Halupki, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sauerkraut (optional)
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into how to bring this delightful dish to life!
- Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the head into the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes to soften the leaves. Once softened, remove the cabbage and let it cool slightly.
- While the cabbage cools, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, diced onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix the ingredients together until fully combined.
- Once the cabbage is cool enough to handle, peel off the leaves carefully. You’ll need about 12-15 leaves, depending on the size. Trim any thick stems to make rolling easier.
- Take a cabbage leaf, place a generous spoonful of the filling at the base of the leaf, and roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
- In a large baking dish, spread a layer of sauerkraut (if using) and a bit of tomato sauce. Place the rolled cabbage seam-side down in the dish. Repeat the process until all the filling is used up.
- Top the assembled Halupki with the remaining tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, ensuring the rolls are well-covered.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to allow the tops to brown gently.
- Once cooked, serve your Halupki warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the rich flavors of this timeless dish!
This traditional Slovak recipe not only embodies warmth and hospitality but also brings a unique flavor to your dining table. Celebrate strong flavors and cherished traditions with every bite!
