🥬 Golabki (Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
Golabki (pronounced go-womp-kee) are a traditional Polish dish consisting of cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of meat and rice, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. They are comforting, hearty, and perfect for family meals.
🥣 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the tomato sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to reduce acidity)
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare cabbage leaves:
- Core the cabbage and boil the head in salted water for 5–10 minutes until leaves are pliable.
- Carefully separate 12–15 large leaves and set aside to cool.
- Make the filling:
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the rolls:
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
- Fold the sides over and roll tightly.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a saucepan, sauté chopped onion in butter or oil until soft.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Cook the Golabki:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour tomato sauce over the rolls, cover with foil, and bake 45–60 minutes.
- Serve:
- Spoon sauce over rolls and enjoy with mashed potatoes or rye bread.
🔥 Tips & Variations
- Rice alternative: Use quinoa or barley for a twist.
- Meat variations: Mix ground beef, veal, or turkey with pork.
- Slow cooker method: Place rolls in a slow cooker, cover with sauce, and cook on low 6–8 hours.
- Vegetarian version: Use cooked lentils or mushrooms instead of meat.
Golabki are hearty, comforting, and full of flavor, making them a beloved dish in Polish cuisine and among Eastern European families.
I can also give a quick stovetop version that simmers the rolls in sauce in under an hour if you want a faster option.
