Description
Polish stuffed cabbage, known as gołąbki, is a comforting and traditional dish made with tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, all simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. A staple at family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations, this dish embodies Polish culinary heritage and warmth.
Ingredients
Cabbage 1 medium green cabbage
Ground pork 1 pound
Ground beef ½ pound
Cooked rice 1 cup
Small onion finely chopped 1
Garlic minced 1 clove
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper ½ teaspoon
For the Tomato Sauce
Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes 2 cups
Water or broth 1 cup
Small onion finely chopped 1
Butter or oil 2 tablespoons
Sugar 1-2 teaspoons
Salt ½ teaspoon
Black pepper ¼ teaspoon
Sour cream for creaminess (optional) ⅓ cup
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil
Core the cabbage by cutting out the thick stem at the base
Submerge the cabbage in boiling water for a few minutes peeling off the softened outer leaves as they loosen Set aside
If needed trim the thick veins on each leaf to make rolling easier
Make the Filling
In a large bowl combine ground pork ground beef cooked rice chopped onion minced garlic salt and pepper
Mix well until evenly combined
Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
Lay a softened cabbage leaf flat vein-side down
Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center
Fold the sides over the filling then roll it from the bottom up to form a tight parcel
Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling
Prepare the Tomato Sauce
In a saucepan heat butter or oil over medium heat
Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent
Add tomato puree water or broth sugar salt and pepper Simmer for 10 minutes
If using sour cream stir it in at the end for a creamy texture
Cook the Stuffed Cabbage
Preheat the oven to 350°F 175°C
Spread a layer of sauce at the bottom of a baking dish
Arrange the cabbage rolls snugly in a single layer
Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls Cover with foil
Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through
Serve
Let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving
Enjoy with mashed potatoes crusty bread or pickled vegetables
Notes
Meat Substitutes Use ground turkey chicken or a mix of lentils and mushrooms for a vegetarian version
Rice Alternatives Barley quinoa or buckwheat can replace rice for different textures
Cooking Methods This dish can also be made in a slow cooker low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours or a pressure cooker high pressure for 20-25 minutes
Storage Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Polish
Keywords: Polish stuffed cabbage, gołąbki, cabbage rolls, Polish recipes, comfort food