Ukrainian beet green cabbage rolls –Hey y’all! Today, we’re diving into a delicious dish that’s bound to warm your heart and fill your belly. You may have heard of Ukrainian cabbage rolls, but I promise you, this recipe is full of flavor and love. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cookin’!
Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls
These cabbage rolls, known as “holodets,” are a real treat with their juicy filling wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. They make for the perfect comfort food and are great for gatherings. Follow this recipe, and you’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Recipe Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of meats)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce (you can use store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a bit of zing)
Instructions
- Start by getting that big pot of water boiling. While it’s heating up, carefully remove the core from the cabbage head. You’ll want to blanch the leaves to make them soft enough to roll.
- Once the water’s boiling, drop the whole cabbage head in there for about 5-7 minutes. You want the outer leaves to soften. Carefully peel them off and set them aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands and mix until everything is well combined.
- Now, it’s time to assemble! Take a softened cabbage leaf and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom. Repeat until you’ve used all your filling.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, spread a bit of tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish and pour the remaining tomato sauce on top. Drizzle a little lemon juice for extra flavor.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour. After an hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to get that lovely brown color on top.
- Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These rolls are just bursting with flavor and oh-so-satisfying!
Serve these cabbage rolls with a side of sour cream and fresh herbs if you like. Trust me, they will be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy every bite!