Stuffed Cabbage(Golumbki, Polish Specialty)
Classic Polish stuffed cabbage rolls feature tender cabbage leaves filled with seasoned ground meat and rice, simmered in a savory tomato sauce for hearty comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Core the cabbage and place it in boiling water.
- Parboil until the leaves are pliable and start to separate.
- Drain the cabbage.
- Remove the cabbage and separate the leaves.
- Trim thick veins off each cabbage leaf.
- Sauté the diced onion in 3 tablespoons of margarine until yellow.
- Remove the sautéed onion from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, eggs, cooked rice, parsley flakes, salt, pepper, and garlic salt if using.
- Place a portion of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll up tightly.
- In a large pot, place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down.
- Add the can of tomato soup and tomato sauce over the rolls.
- Simmer uncovered for about 60 minutes until the meat is cooked through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding some smoked paprika or chopped bell peppers to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked rice or even quinoa as a substitute. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with lentils or a meat substitute. Ensure the cabbage leaves are well-trimmed for easier rolling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed cabbage with a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with Baked Apples With Currants(Elegant With Roast Pork) and crusty bread for a hearty meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can balance the dish nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a baking dish with a little tomato sauce and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Cabbage(Golumbki, Polish Specialty) contains roughly 336 calories, with 30g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1293mg per serving (56% 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 freeze stuffed cabbage?
Yes, stuffed cabbage can be frozen before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then cook as directed.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute with a mixture of crushed tomatoes and a bit of sugar, or use a jar of marinara sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed to match the flavor profile.
How do I know when the meat is fully cooked?
The meat is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. You can check this using a meat thermometer. Additionally, the cabbage should be tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully after simmering for an hour.
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).