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Golabki (Cabbage Roll)
BeefPolish

Golabki (Cabbage Roll)

Golabki (Cabbage Roll) is a classic Polish dish that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.

Carefully prepared featuring Cabbage, Butter, Onion, Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Rice, Garlic and Tomato Puree, the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. The cooking process allows natural aromas to develop, ensuring each portion is both hearty and flavorful.

Serve hot alongside fresh bread, steamed grains, or a crisp seasonal salad for a well-rounded dining experience.

If you enjoy authentic Polish cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Bigos (Polish Hunter's Stew).

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Ingredients

  • Cabbage1
  • Butter2 tbs
  • Onion1 chopped
  • Ground Beef1 lb
  • Ground Pork1/2 lb
  • Rice1 1/2 cups
  • Garlic1 tsp
  • Salt1 tsp
  • Black Pepper1/4 tsp
  • Tomato Puree3 cans

Step-by-Step Instructions

18 steps

Interactive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.

Step 1♨️ Boil

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.

Step 2⏱️ 3 minutes

Place cabbage head into water, cover pot, and cook until cabbage leaves are slightly softened enough to remove from head, 3 minutes.

Step 3⏱️ 10 minutes

Remove cabbage from pot and let cabbage sit until leaves are cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Remove 18 whole leaves from the cabbage head, cutting out any thick tough center ribs.

Step 5

Set whole leaves aside.

Step 6🔪 Prep

Chop the remainder of the cabbage head and spread it in the bottom of a casserole dish.

Step 7

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 8🥄 Mix⏱️ 10 minutes

Cook and stir onion in hot butter until tender, 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 9

Cool.

Step 10🥄 Mix

Stir onion, beef, pork, rice, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper together in a large bowl.

Step 11🔥 Preheat

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 12

Place about 1/2 cup beef mixture on a cabbage leaf.

Step 13

Roll cabbage around beef mixture, tucking in sides to create an envelope around the meat.

Step 14

Repeat with remaining leaves and meat mixture.

Step 15

Place cabbage rolls in a layer atop the chopped cabbage in the casserole dish; season rolls with salt and black pepper.

Step 16🥄 Mix

Whisk tomato soup, tomato juice, and ketchup together in a bowl.

Step 17

Pour tomato soup mixture over cabbage rolls and cover dish wish aluminum foil.

Step 18🥧 Bake⏱️ 1 hour

Bake in the preheated oven until cabbage is tender and meat is cooked through, about 1 hour.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes

Cultural Heritage

Golabki (Cabbage Roll) carries a rich culinary tradition rooted in regional home cooking. Developed over generations, the recipe highlights wholesome local ingredients prepared with time-honored kitchen techniques.

Dietary Substitutions

For a richer sauce, replace a portion of the water with homemade bone broth, vegetable stock, or a splash of dry wine or red wine vinegar to cut through richness.

Chef Technique Tips

Take the time to thoroughly sear and brown cabbage in batches before adding the braising liquid. The caramelized fond deposited on the bottom of the pot dissolves into the stew, providing depth and body that cannot be rushed.

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