Cabbage Rolls(Also Known As "Polish Pigeons")
Hearty cabbage rolls filled with seasoned ground meat and rice, baked in a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, slightly beaten egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Boil cabbage leaves until limp, then separate, trim, and cool.
- Divide the meat mixture among cabbage leaves, roll them up, and secure each with a toothpick.
- Mix condensed tomato soup with water and vinegar to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls and cover with extra cabbage leaves if desired.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours or cook in a skillet over very low heat for 45 minutes, stirring often and spooning sauce over the rolls.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. If you don't have cooked rice, quinoa or couscous can work well as a substitute. To enhance flavor, try adding garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the meat mixture. If you want a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cabbage rolls with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like Green Beans(Portuguese Style) make a refreshing accompaniment. For added flavor, top the rolls with sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish with a splash of water, cover with foil, and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. They can also be reheated in a microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cabbage Rolls(Also Known As "Polish Pigeons") contains roughly 418 calories, with 15g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 737mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cabbage rolls a day in advance. After rolling them, place them in a baking dish and cover with plastic wrap. When ready to cook, just uncover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are chilled.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you prefer, you can substitute the condensed tomato soup with a homemade sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This will give you a fresher flavor. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and add a touch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! Cabbage rolls freeze well. After cooking, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).