Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi) – A Hearty Eastern European Classic

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These tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory meat-and-rice filling simmered in a rich tomato sauce are the ultimate comfort food. A beloved dish across Ukraine, Poland, and beyond!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Meal-prep friendly – Tastes even better the next day
✅ Budget-friendly – Feeds a crowd for less
✅ Freezer-perfect – Make ahead for easy meals
✅ Comfort in every bite – Hearty and satisfying

Ingredients & Variations

For the Rolls

  • 1 large head green cabbage (about 3 lbs)
  • 1 lb ground beef/pork mix (or turkey for lighter version)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Cabbage Leaves

  1. Core cabbage and boil whole head for 5-7 minutes until leaves soften
  2. Carefully peel off 12-16 leaves, trim thick ribs

2. Make the Filling

  1. Sauté onion and garlic until soft
  2. Mix with meat, rice, egg, parsley, and spices

3. Assemble the Rolls

  1. Place ¼ cup filling near stem end of each leaf
  2. Fold sides inward, then roll up tightly

4. Cook to Perfection

  1. Layer rolls in pot with sauce ingredients
  2. Simmer covered 45-60 minutes until tender

Serving Suggestions

  • Top with fresh dill and sour cream
  • Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes
  • Pair with pickled vegetables for contrast

Chef’s Tips

🔪 Leaf hack: Freeze cabbage overnight for easier peeling
🍅 Sauce boost: Add ½ cup sauerkraut juice for tang
⏳ Time-saver: Use pre-steamed cabbage leaves from specialty stores

Cultural Variations

🇺🇦 Ukrainian: Add buckwheat to filling
🇵🇱 Polish: Include mushrooms in sauce
🇷🇴 Romanian: Use pickled cabbage leaves

Storage Tips

❄️ Freeze before cooking (up to 3 months)
🍲 Reheat in oven with extra sauce

Pro Tip: The longer it sits, the better it tastes – make it a day ahead!

“Every family has their secret – this is my Baba’s version that warms both belly and heart.”

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