Description
Polish comfort classic gathers hearty ground meat, rice, and tender cabbage leaves into delicious parcels simmered in rich tomato sauce. Savory rolls deliver generations of Eastern European culinary tradition wrapped in one satisfying, warm meal you’ll eagerly enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Produce:
- 1 head green cabbage
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- Fresh dill (optional), for garnish
Meat and Filling Base:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 heaping tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1–2 tablespoons sour cream
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 whole peppercorns
- Salt, to taste
- Water (as needed)
Instructions
- Remove the cabbage core and submerge the whole head in a large pot of boiling, salted water. Gently cook for 5 minutes, then carefully extract the softened leaves, turning the cabbage cut-side up. Finely chop the remaining cabbage for later use in the pot.
- Delicately trim the thick center stems from each cabbage leaf, being careful not to tear the leaf completely.
- In a skillet, melt of butter and sauté finely diced onions, minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, and grated carrots until the vegetables become tender and translucent. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground chicken, cooked white rice, a beaten egg, the cooled vegetable mixture, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a uniform filling.
- Place a portion of the meat mixture near the stem end of each cabbage leaf, then carefully roll the leaf, tucking in the sides to create a compact bundle. If desired, these rolls can be frozen for later use.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large cooking pot. Sprinkle additional seasonings over the rolls, then pour tomato sauce evenly across the top.
- Cover and simmer the cabbage rolls on low heat for 50-60 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- To prepare the finishing sauce, whisk melted butter and flour into the pot’s cooking juices. Bring to a brief boil, then gently stir in sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Serve the cabbage rolls hot, accompanied by boiled potatoes, and garnish with fresh dill for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Prepare cabbage leaves by carefully separating them after boiling, ensuring they remain intact for easy rolling.
- Sautéed vegetables add depth and complexity to the meat mixture, creating a rich, flavorful filling.
- Freezing option allows for make-ahead convenience, perfect for meal prepping or busy weeknights.
- Slow simmering transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, hearty dish that melts in your mouth.
- Creamy sauce provides a luxurious finish, balancing the savory meat and tangy tomato base.
- Dill garnish brings a fresh, bright note that cuts through the richness of the stuffed cabbage rolls.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg