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Polish Cabbage Rolls (Golabki)

Polish · Dinner · Medium

Polish Cabbage Rolls (Golabki)

Total
2 hr 15 min
Prep
45 min
Serves
6
Calories
425
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Tender cabbage leaves wrap beef, pork and rice, then bake beneath a mellow tomato sauce until the filling is juicy and the leaves cut easily.

Blanched leaves make Polish Cabbage Rolls (Golabki) easy to fold without tearing. Cooked rice loosens the meat filling, while a covered bake keeps the rolls moist in their tomato sauce.

Choose a large cabbage with flexible outer leaves. Shave down thick ribs instead of cutting away big pieces, and roll snugly without squeezing the filling into a dense log.

SavoryHeartyMake AheadComfort FoodGluten-freeNut-freeEgg-freeHigh-protein

Method

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Lower in the cabbage and simmer for , peeling away softened outer leaves with tongs as they loosen. Collect 12 large leaves, cool and shave the thick ribs flat. Chop the remaining cabbage.

  2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion for until soft, then garlic for . Let cool before mixing with beef, pork, cooked rice, salt and pepper.

  3. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped cabbage in a deep 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Divide filling among the leaves, fold sides inward and roll closed. Arrange seam-side down.

  4. Mix tomato puree, water and sugar and pour over the rolls. Cover tightly with foil and bake for until cabbage is tender and the centers reach 160°F. Rest for before serving.

Forkue tips

  • If inner leaves remain stiff, return the cabbage head to the simmering water and remove them as they soften.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze in sauce for 3 months. Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) with extra water if the sauce is thick.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

425Calories
27gProtein
32gCarbs
21gFat

Polish Cabbage Rolls (Golabki): FAQ

Is the rice cooked before mixing?

Yes. Use cooled cooked rice; raw rice would absorb moisture from the filling and need a different liquid ratio.

Can I assemble these ahead?

Yes. Cover and refrigerate the assembled rolls for up to a day, then bake until the centers reach 160°F, adding time from cold.

How do I store and reheat Polish Cabbage Rolls (Golabki)?

Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze in sauce for 3 months. Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) with extra water if the sauce is thick.

How long does Polish Cabbage Rolls (Golabki) take?

About 2 hr 15 min in total: 45 min prep and 1 hr 30 min cooking.

What do I need to make Polish Cabbage Rolls (Golabki)?

The key ingredients are green cabbage, butter, onion, ground beef, ground pork and cooked rice, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Polish Cabbage Rolls (Golabki)?

If inner leaves remain stiff, return the cabbage head to the simmering water and remove them as they soften.

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