cabbage rolls ukrainian recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
cabbage rolls ukrainian recipe
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The Best cabbage rolls ukrainian recipe

Cabbage rolls, known as Golubtsy in Ukrainian, are a classic dish that has been a staple in my kitchen for years. This comforting and hearty meal is a perfect blend of tender cabbage leaves, flavorful meat filling, and a rich tomato sauce.

It’s a dish that my family loves and always looks forward to. The aroma that fills the house while it’s cooking is just as appealing as the taste.

It reminds me of home and family gatherings, and it’s a dish that I love to share with friends and neighbors. It’s a great dish for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a large family gathering.

It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. Cabbage is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and the meat filling provides protein and iron.

It’s a balanced meal that the whole family can enjoy.

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls

4.6 from 1237 votes

Ukrainian cabbage rolls are a comforting dish made with tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory meat filling, cooked in a rich tomato sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time90 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 50 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

1 large head of cabbage
1 lb ground beef or a mix of ground beef and pork
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked rice
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

2 cups tomato sauce
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2Carefully drop the cabbage head into the boiling water and cook for 5 minutes.
3Remove the cabbage and let it cool until it’s safe to handle.
4Once cooled, carefully peel off the leaves and set them aside.
5You should have about 10-12 large leaves.
6If there are any small or torn leaves, set them aside for the sauce.
7Once the cabbage is cool enough to handle, cut out the thick center vein from each leaf.
8This will make it easier to roll.
9Prepare the meat filling.
10In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked rice, egg, salt, and black pepper.
11Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
12If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more rice.
13If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
14Use your hands to mix the ingredients together, ensuring that the mixture is well combined and evenly distributed.
15This will help the cabbage rolls hold their shape and cook evenly.
16Set the mixture aside while you prepare the sauce.
17Prepare the sauce.
18In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
19Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
20Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
21Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
22Add the water and bring the sauce to a simmer.
23Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
24If using any small or torn cabbage leaves, chop them up and add them to the sauce.
25This will add extra cabbage flavor and help thicken the sauce.
26While the sauce is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
27Assemble the cabbage rolls.
28Lay a cabbage leaf on a flat surface.
29Place about 1/4 cup of the meat filling at the base of the leaf.
30Fold the base of the leaf over the filling, then fold the sides in and roll tightly into a cigar shape.
31Place the roll seam-side down in the baking dish.
32Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
33You should have about 10-12 cabbage rolls.
34Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
35Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
36After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.
37The cabbage should be tender and slightly translucent, and the meat should be browned and cooked through.
38If the sauce starts to dry out, add a bit of water to the dish and continue baking.
39Once done, remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
40This will allow the juices to settle and the rolls to firm up slightly.
41Serve the cabbage rolls hot, with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes if desired.
Enjoy!

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Baking dish

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You can also add other vegetables to the filling, such as carrots or bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition. To make this dish vegetarian, omit the meat and add more rice and vegetables to the filling.

Watch Video Of How Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls Works

This cabbage rolls recipe is a classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s a dish that I love to make for family gatherings and special occasions, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious.

Cabbage is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and the meat filling provides protein and iron. It’s a balanced meal that the whole family can enjoy. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

You can also freeze leftover cabbage rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. This recipe is a family favorite and a dish that I love to share with friends and neighbors. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen as well.

Try it out and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls

Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make cabbage rolls ahead of time. You can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the assembled rolls before baking. When ready to bake, thaw the rolls in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Can I use fresh cabbage instead of pickled cabbage?

Yes, you can use fresh cabbage instead of pickled cabbage. Fresh cabbage is easier to find and is more readily available. To use fresh cabbage, simply blanch the leaves in boiling water for a few minutes until they are soft and pliable. This will make it easier to roll the leaves.

What can I serve with cabbage rolls?

Cabbage rolls are a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, crusty bread, and a side salad. You can also serve them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.

Can I freeze cabbage rolls?

Yes, cabbage rolls freeze well. You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the rolls and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, thaw the rolls in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let the rolls cool completely before freezing. When ready to reheat, thaw the rolls in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Can I make cabbage rolls in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can make cabbage rolls in the slow cooker. To do this, layer the cabbage rolls in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through. This method is great for busy weeknights or for when you want to come home to a warm and comforting meal. You can also prepare the cabbage rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them or freeze them for later use.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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