Hearty Homemade Cabbage Rolls Golabki in Tomato Sauce
Recipe Introduction: Roll into Deliciousness
Fancy a bit of comfort food? Craving something hearty and satisfying? Then cabbage rolls are calling your name! Honestly, is there anything better than tender cabbage leaves enveloping a flavorful filling and swimming in a tangy tomato sauce?
What’s the Story Behind Golabki Recipe ?
These little beauties, also known as Golabki recipe , have roots in Eastern Europe, particularly Poland. They're basically the ultimate comfort food.
This homemade cabbage rolls recipe is medium difficulty. Prep takes about 30 minutes, cooking clocks in at 1 hour 30 minutes.
You'll have enough for 6-8 hungry folks.
Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Beyond being utterly delicious, cabbage rolls pack a nutritional punch. Cabbage is a great source of fiber and vitamins. They are perfect for a chilly autumn evening or a family gathering.
What makes these cabbage rolls special? It's that homemade tomato sauce , slow simmered to perfection.
Okay, let's get this sorted.
Ready to Roll? Your Cabbage Roll Filling Recipes Awaits!
Time to gather your ingredients! You'll need a head of cabbage, ground beef and pork, rice, and a few other pantry staples.
Let's dive into what makes these savory cabbage rolls so blooming fantastic.
Okay, let's get this sorted. So, fancy making some cabbage rolls ? Think of me as your friendly neighborhood food blogger.
I'm here to guide you through it. I promise, it's easier than you think! These hearty Homemade cabbage rolls are also known as Golabki recipe .
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
You know, the key to great food is great ingredients. Honestly , there is no way around it. Let's get you prepped!
Main Ingredients: All you need
- 1 large head green cabbage (about 3-4 pounds/1.4-1.8 kg) - Choose a firm head. It should be a bit heavy for its size.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup/150 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal) (450g) - Go for good quality mince, trust me.
- ½ pound ground pork (225g)
- ½ cup uncooked long grain rice (100 g), rinsed
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (5 ml)
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (5 ml)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5 ml)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup/150 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (800g)
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (425g)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (5 ml)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat) (2.5 ml)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth (120 ml), or water, if needed
Seasoning Notes: Make it Sing!
These Comfort food recipes need a good kick! Thyme, marjoram, and smoked paprika are your friends. This is the essential spice combinations for that authentic flavour.
A little bit of red pepper flakes adds a cheeky bit of heat. Don't be scared to experiment! If you don't have oregano, Italian seasoning works as a quick substitution.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven vital for simmering those Stuffed cabbage rolls beautifully.
- Large bowl for mixing that lovely filling.
- Colander for draining.
- Sharp knife for chopping all your veggies.
- Cutting board safety first!
- Skillet for browning the meat.
- Measuring cups and spoons unless you're really good at eyeballing it.
Got a smaller pan? No worries! Just use what you have. A big saucepan will do in a pinch. Now, get out there and make some Savory cabbage rolls ! I know you can do it.
Let's Get Rolling: Mastering Hearty Homemade Cabbage Rolls
Okay, let's get this sorted. Think of me as your friendly neighborhood whisperer, blending a bit of British wit with SEO savvy.
I'm about to share my tried and-true method for perfect cabbage rolls . You know, the kind that makes everyone around the table go quiet with happiness? Honestly, it's easier than you might think! This is seriously the best comfort food recipes .
Prep Steps: Ready, Steady, Cook!
Before we dive into the rolling, it's all about prep, innit? This part is called Essential mise en place . First, get your ingredients lined up like soldiers.
Chop that onion, mince the garlic. Having everything ready saves you a world of stress later.
Next, a Time saving organization tip : grab two bowls. One for the filling, and the other for the yummy tomato sauce.
This keeps things nice and tidy. I once tried to rush this part and ended up with rice everywhere . Never again!
And lastly, Safety reminder: be extra careful when peeling the hot cabbage leaves. Steam burns are not fun. Believe me, I've been there!
From Leaf to Feast: The Cabbage Roll Assembly
- Blanch the cabbage : Gently boil the whole cabbage head for 10- 15 minutes . This makes the leaves super pliable.
- Sauté the aromatics : In a pan, cook onion and garlic in olive oil until golden.
- Brown the Meat : Toss the ground beef and pork in the pan to brown them nicely. Then, remove the extra grease.
- Mix the Filling : Put browned meat with rice, egg, and spices. Season.
- Roll it Up : Place 1/4 cup of filling on the cabbage leaf. Fold the sides in and roll tightly.
- Simmer : Placed the Savory cabbage rolls tightly in the pot, laying on a bed of tomato sauce. Pour the rest on top.
- Cook : Add chicken broth and simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Cabbage Rolls
Want to take your cabbage rolls from good to absolutely banging? First, don’t overfill the leaves. Trust me, they'll burst! Second, line the pot with extra leaves.
This stops sticking and gives the Homemade cabbage rolls a yummy, caramelized bottom.
Common mistakes to avoid : undercooking the rice or not seasoning properly. Always taste the filling before rolling!
Thinking ahead? These freeze brilliantly. You can enjoy your Easy cabbage rolls up to 3 months later. Now that's what I call proper planning!
Recipe Notes: Cabbage Rolls Edition
Okay, let's get this sorted! Here are some extra bits and bobs about cabbage rolls to make your cooking experience smoother than a freshly buttered crumpet.
Think of me as your friendly neighbourhood food blogger.
Plating Perfection and Perfect Pairings
Honestly, these aren't just homemade cabbage rolls , they're a masterpiece! Don't just plonk them on a plate. For a rustic touch, serve them straight from the pot.
Garnish with a sprig of parsley. A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy tang.
Consider serving these savory cabbage rolls with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. Crusty bread is brilliant for soaking up all that lovely tomato sauce .
A light, crisp salad also balances the richness. Wash it down with a chilled glass of white wine or some proper lemonade.
Stow Away Secrets
Leftover cabbage rolls ? No worries, they're even better the next day! Once cooled, pop them in an airtight container. They'll happily keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Want to freeze them for later? Absolutely! Arrange the cooked Golabki recipe in a freezer safe container. They'll be good for up to 3 months.
Defrost them overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Reheat them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Twists and Turns
Fancy a change? For a veggie version, swap the meat for lentils. You know? Or use a meat substitute. Use mushrooms and a sprinkle of cheese for richness.
For a seasonal swap, use different greens. Savoy cabbage adds a slightly sweeter flavor. A cabbage roll variation could include adding some chopped bell peppers to the filling for a splash of colour and crunch.
Nutrition Nuggets
Each serving of these stuffed cabbage rolls gives you a good hit of protein and fibre. This is ideal for keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Plus, you're getting a decent dose of vitamins from the cabbage and tomatoes. Easy cabbage rolls are also great because you can bulk them out with extra veggies!
Ultimately, this comfort food recipe is about enjoying the process. So, grab your ingredients, put on some tunes, and let's get rolling.
These Polish cabbage rolls are easier than you think! And, more importantly, are a delightful dish to share.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my cabbage rolls falling apart? Is there a way to prevent this?
Falling apart cabbage rolls are a common kitchen woe! The most common culprits are overfilling the leaves or not blanching them enough. Be sure to only use about ¼ cup of filling per leaf, and make sure the leaves are pliable enough to roll without tearing.
You can also secure them with toothpicks before cooking, like giving them a little hug!
Can I freeze my homemade cabbage rolls, and if so, what's the best way?
Absolutely! Cabbage rolls are fantastic for batch cooking and freezing, making them a great option for future meals. Let them cool completely after cooking, then arrange them in a single layer in a freezer safe container or bag. They'll keep well for up to 3 months.
Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave. Think of it as your own personal ready meal - less packaging!
What can I serve with cabbage rolls to make it a complete meal?
Cabbage rolls are hearty, so you don't need much to round out the meal. A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt adds a nice tang. Mashed potatoes are classic, perfect for soaking up that delicious tomato sauce. And a simple side of steamed green beans or buttered carrots provides a bit of freshness.
You could also pair it with some crusty bread, sort of like getting the best of both worlds!
Can I make vegetarian cabbage rolls? What are good substitutes for the meat?
You bet your boots you can! For a vegetarian twist on cabbage rolls, swap the ground meat for lentils or a vegetarian ground meat alternative. Sauté some finely diced mushrooms, carrots, and celery along with the onion and garlic to add extra flavor and texture to the filling.
You can also substitute the rice with quinoa or bulgur wheat. This way, everyone gets to join in on the cabbage roll fun!
How do I get the cabbage leaves off the head without tearing them to shreds?
The secret is blanching the cabbage head! Core the cabbage first, then carefully lower it into a large pot of boiling water. As the outer leaves become pliable (after a minute or two), gently peel them off with tongs. Repeat until you've removed all the leaves you need.
This makes the leaves much easier to work with and reduces the risk of them tearing. It's a bit like giving your cabbage a spa day before the big roll!
What's the best way to reheat leftover cabbage rolls so they don't dry out?
The key to reheating cabbage rolls is to keep them moist. The oven works best: place the rolls in a baking dish with a little extra tomato sauce (or even a splash of chicken broth), cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
You can also microwave them, but add a tablespoon of water to the dish and cover it to prevent drying. This will help keep your cabbage rolls as scrumptious as the first time!
Hearty Homemade Cabbage Rolls Golabki In Tomato
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
