HOW TO MAKE STUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS
Stuffed cabbage rolls, also known as cabbage rolls or golubtsi, are a delightful and hearty dish enjoyed by people around the world. This delectable culinary creation features tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices, all simmered in a savory sauce until they reach a state of mouthwatering perfection. From Eastern Europe to the Middle East, Asia, and beyond, stuffed cabbage rolls have become a beloved comfort food with various regional twists.
The key component of stuffed cabbage rolls is, of course, the cabbage itself. The cabbage is typically blanched or parboiled to soften the leaves, making them pliable for stuffing. Common cabbage varieties used for this dish include green cabbage, Savoy cabbage, and Napa cabbage, each lending its unique texture and taste to the final creation.
The filling for stuffed cabbage rolls traditionally consists of a combination of ground meat and rice, seasoned with a medley of herbs and spices. Commonly used meats include beef, pork, lamb, and veal, although vegetarian and vegan versions can be made using ingredients like mushrooms, lentils, or quinoa. The rice adds a delightful texture and helps bind the filling together.
Stuffed cabbage rolls are often enjoyed as a main course, served with sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread. They are also a popular option for family gatherings, festive occasions, and holiday feasts, as they can be prepared in advance and reheated, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
This versatile dish has not only traveled across borders but has also adapted to local tastes and ingredients. In Poland, they are known as "golabki" and are often served with tomato sauce or mushroom gravy. In Turkey, they are called "Lahaina sarması" and may feature a combination of meat and rice or a vegetarian filling with bulgur and herbs. In China, a version called "zongzi" consists of sticky rice, meat, and other fillings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
1 large head of cabbage.
500g ground beef (or a meat of your choice).
1 Cup.Of cooked rice.
1 small onion, finely chopped.
2 cloves of garlic, minced.
1 Tsp.Of dried thyme.
1 Tsp.Of dried oregano.
Salt and pepper to taste.
1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes.
2 Cups.Of vegetable or beef broth.
2 Tbsp.Of olive oil.
PREPARATION:
1st Step
Put some water on to boil in a big saucepan. The entire cabbage head should be dropped into boiling water once the core has been carefully removed. Allow the outer leaves to soften after a few minutes of cooking. Carefully remove the cabbage from the cooking liquid and peel off the leaves.
2nd Step
Mix together the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large mixing basin. Combine well so that nothing is left out.
3rd Step
Get a cabbage leaf and put some filling in the middle. Wrap the filling in the leaf by folding the edges over and rolling it up like a burrito. The leftover cabbage leaves and contents should be used for another round.
4th Step
Combine the crushed tomatoes with the meat or veggie broth in a separate bowl.
5th Step
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Seam side down, and add the filled cabbage rolls to the pot. Make sure the rolls are completely submerged in the tomato-broth combination. More broth or water may be added if necessary.
6th Step
Bring the liquid to a simmer, then turn the heat down to low. The cabbage rolls need to simmer, covered, for 45 minutes to an hour for the cabbage to become soft and the flavors to combine.
7th Step
Take the cabbage rolls out of the saucepan and place them on a serving platter. Spread the rolls with the sauce. You may eat them as soon as they're done cooking, and they go well with mashed potatoes, a side salad, or even more sauce.
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 stuffed cabbage rolls, depending on the size of the cabbage leaves. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade stuffed cabbage rolls!
