Description
Hearty Polish golabki recipe brings traditional comfort from generations of Eastern European kitchens. Savory beef and rice wrapped in tender cabbage leaves promise a satisfying meal you’ll want to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 cup (185 grams) cooked rice
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid and Sauce Components:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Core a whole cabbage and immerse it in rapidly boiling water for approximately 5 minutes until outer leaves become pliable. Gently extract leaves, allowing them to cool and drain on a clean kitchen towel.
- Heat a skillet and brown ground beef over medium-high temperature. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Blend cooked rice into the meat mixture, stirring in diced tomatoes and aromatic spices including paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season thoroughly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Lay a single cabbage leaf flat, placing a measured portion of meat mixture near the leaf’s base. Carefully fold sides inward, then roll tightly from bottom to top, ensuring a compact parcel.
- Arrange rolled cabbage packages seam-side down in a ceramic or glass baking dish, creating a neat arrangement without overcrowding.
- Generously drench rolls with tomato sauce and savory broth, ensuring complete coverage. Seal the baking dish securely with aluminum foil.
- Slide dish into a preheated 350°F oven, allowing rolls to simmer and meld flavors for precisely 60 minutes until heated completely through.
- Remove foil, let rolls rest momentarily, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while piping hot for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Select large, flexible cabbage leaves to make rolling easier and prevent tearing during preparation.
- For gluten-free version, substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Enhance flavor by adding a splash of red wine or Worcester sauce into the meat mixture for deeper, richer taste profile.
- Prep cabbage leaves in advance and refrigerate overnight to save time during actual cooking process, making meal preparation more convenient.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg