Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage rolls, also known as golabki in Polish cuisine, have a long history and are a popular dish in various cultures around the world. They are believed to have originated in the Eastern European region, particularly in countries like Poland, Ukraine, Russia, and other Slavic countries. The dish likely has its roots in peasant cuisine, where ingredients such as cabbage and grains were readily available and inexpensive. Cabbage rolls are typically made by filling cabbage leaves with a mixture of meat (such as beef, pork, or lamb), rice, onions, and spices, then rolling them up and cooking them in a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
1 large head of cabbage
1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a mixture)
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of tomato sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Paprika, to taste
1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano)
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head and place the whole head in the boiling water. Boil for about 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves are soft and pliable. Remove the cabbage from the water and carefully peel off the leaves one by one. Set them aside to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, sea salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix well to combine.
Take a cabbage leaf and place a small amount of the meat mixture in the center. Roll the leaf, tucking in the sides as you go, to form a tight roll. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in the skillet and brown them on all sides.
Once the cabbage rolls are browned, pour the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef or vegetable broth over them. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage rolls are cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
Serve the cabbage rolls hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking by adding different seasonings, vegetables, or sauces. You can also make a vegetarian version by using a filling of rice, mushrooms, and vegetables instead of meat.
Thank you for trying this recipe. Please let me know how you liked it.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a look at other recipes on my fast, simple and good beef page.
Cabbage Rolls