ukraine cabbage roll recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
ukraine cabbage roll recipe
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The Best ukraine cabbage roll recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Ukraine cabbage roll recipe that has been a staple in our household for years. This traditional dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and is a great way to get your family to eat their veggies. The story behind this recipe is just as fascinating as the taste.

It originated in Eastern Europe, where cabbage was a staple crop and meat was scarce. The clever cooks of the time came up with the idea of rolling cabbage leaves around a filling of meat and rice, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that could be made with minimal ingredients. As I learned to make this recipe, I realized that it’s not just about the filling, but also about the technique of rolling the cabbage leaves just right.

It’s a bit like a puzzle, where each leaf must be carefully placed on top of the other to create a beautiful and cohesive roll. My kids love helping me with this part of the process, and it’s become a fun family activity that we all enjoy together. When we sit down to eat these rolls, everyone raves about how tender and flavorful they are.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – this dish is full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the cabbage and meat. We love serving it at family gatherings and special occasions because it’s easy to make in large quantities and can be reheated later if needed. In fact, I often make double batches so we can have leftovers for days.

My family’s favorite way to eat these rolls is with a side of mashed potatoes or polenta, but you can’t go wrong with a simple green salad either.

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi)

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi)

4.5 from 1401 votes

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls are a traditional dish featuring cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory rice and meat filling, slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time2 hrs
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2.5 hrs
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

1 large head of cabbage
1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
1 large onion
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

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

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Carefully submerge the whole cabbage in the boiling water.
3Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the outer leaves are softened and can be easily peeled off.
4Remove the cabbage and let it cool.
5Once cool, carefully peel off the outer leaves, making sure to keep them whole.
Set aside.
6In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
7Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
8This is your filling mixture.
9Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface.
10Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture onto the base of the cabbage leaf.
11Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll tightly from the base to the top, creating a neat cabbage roll.
12Repeat with remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
13In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
14Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
15Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
16Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
17Place a layer of the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
18Pour the sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well coated.
19Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
20Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through.
21Check for doneness by carefully removing a cabbage roll and cutting it open.
22The rice should be soft and the meat should be cooked through.
23Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
24This allows the juices to settle and makes the cabbage rolls easier to handle.
25Serve hot, with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Baking dish

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝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 add more rice and finely chopped vegetables to the filling.

Watch Video Of How Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi) Works

This Ukraine cabbage roll recipe has been a staple in our household for years and is always a hit at family gatherings.

Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly easy to make in large quantities – perfect for feeding a crowd.

And because it’s packed with fiber and vitamins from the cabbage and meat, I feel good serving it to my family knowing they’re getting all sorts of healthy benefits.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi)

Q: What is Ukraine cabbage roll recipe?

This traditional Ukrainian dish consists of rolled cabbage leaves filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices.

Q: What kind of meat can I use for the filling?

You can use any type of ground meat you prefer, such as beef, pork, or a combination of both.

Q: Can I use fresh or frozen cabbage for this recipe?

Both fresh and frozen cabbage work well for this recipe. If using frozen, simply thaw it first before using.

Q: How do I store leftover cabbage rolls?

Cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I reheat cabbage rolls in the microwave?

Yes, simply place them on a plate lined with paper towels and cover with another paper towel before microwaving on high for 2-3 minutes.

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