ukrainian cabbage rolls recipe

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

I’m so excited to share this traditional Ukrainian cabbage rolls recipe with you all. I’ve been making these for years, and they’re always a hit with my family and friends. The dish is called ‘holubets’ in Ukrainian, and it’s a staple of Ukrainian cuisine.

The combination of tender cabbage leaves, flavorful filling, and delicate spices is just perfect. I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – you can serve it as a main course, side dish, or even as a snack. My kids adore helping me roll the cabbage leaves, and it’s a great way to spend quality time together.

The best part? It’s incredibly healthy, packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the cabbage, carrots, and onions. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover cabbage you might have on hand.

I’ve made this recipe for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s one of those magic dishes that always brings people together. And the best part?

It’s ridiculously easy to make ahead of time – just assemble the rolls and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to cook them up. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a fun project to tackle with your loved ones, this Ukrainian cabbage rolls recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi)

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi)

4.6 from 753 votes

Ukrainian cabbage rolls, or holubtsi, are a traditional dish made with cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory rice and meat filling, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty meal.

Prep Time45 mins
Cook Time1 hr 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

1 large head green cabbage
1 lb ground beef
1 cup long grain rice
1 large onion
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce

2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For Serving

Sour cream
Fresh dill

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add the cabbage and boil until the leaves are softened and can be easily peeled off the head.
3This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4Remove the cabbage from the water and set it aside to cool.
5Once cool enough to handle, peel off the leaves and set them aside.
6You should have about 12-15 leaves.
7If there are any small or damaged leaves, set those aside for the sauce.
8In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
9Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
10Lay a cabbage leaf on a flat surface and place about 2 tablespoons of the meat and rice mixture at the base of the leaf.
11Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll tightly from the base to the top to form a cabbage roll.
12Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
13You should have about 12-15 cabbage rolls.
14In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
15Add the chopped cabbage pieces and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
16Add the tomato sauce, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
17Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
18Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the saucepan, making sure they are tightly packed and submerged in the sauce.
19If necessary, add a little more water to cover the rolls.
20Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the cabbage rolls simmer for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is tender.
21Stir occasionally to prevent the rolls from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
22Once the cabbage rolls are cooked, carefully remove them from the saucepan and place them on a serving platter.
23Spoon the sauce over the top of the rolls.
24Serve the cabbage rolls hot, with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill on top.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Baking sheet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 1000mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground pork or a mix of ground beef and pork for the ground beef. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and increase the amount of rice. You can also add other vegetables to the filling, such as shredded carrots or chopped mushrooms.

Watch Video Of How Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi) Works

Ukrainian cabbage rolls are always a hit at family gatherings and potlucks. They can be made ahead of time and reheated gently in the oven or on the stovetop.

I like to serve them with a dollop of sour cream and a side of crusty bread. The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, and they reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop.

For a fun twist, you can also make mini cabbage rolls as appetizers. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

It’s a great dish to have in your recipe repertoire for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday celebration.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi)

Q: What is the origin of Ukrainian cabbage rolls?

This traditional dish has its roots in Eastern European cuisine, where cabbage was used as a food source during harsh winters when other ingredients were scarce.

Q: What type of cabbage should I use for this recipe?

For the best results, use fresh green or white cabbage leaves – they’ll be easier to roll and will retain their flavor better than wilted or old leaves.

Q: Can I use alternative fillings instead of traditional pork and rice?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different fillings like beef, lamb, or even vegetarian options like mushrooms or lentils.

Q: How do I store leftover cabbage rolls for later use?

Assemble the rolls as directed, then refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to cook them up – simply thaw frozen rolls overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Q: Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time for a party or event?

Sure thing! Assemble the rolls up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.

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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