how to make cabbage rolls recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best how to make cabbage rolls recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite cabbage rolls recipe that’s been a staple in our household for years. This dish is a classic Eastern European comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with family and friends. The first time I made these cabbage rolls, I was amazed at how easy and delicious they were.

My kids loved helping me roll the cabbage leaves and eating the finished product was like a party in our tummies. I’ve experimented with different fillings and seasonings over the years, but the basic recipe remains the same – and that’s what I’ll be sharing with you today. Cabbage rolls are essentially meat-filled cabbage leaves wrapped around each other and simmered in a flavorful broth.

They’re incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. The key to making great cabbage rolls lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients and not overfilling the leaves, which can lead to them breaking apart during cooking. The origins of cabbage rolls are unclear, but they’re believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, where cabbage was a staple crop.

In Ukraine, where my ancestors were from, these rolls are called ‘holubtsi’ (which means ‘little pigeons’). They’re often served at special occasions like weddings and holidays. When I serve these cabbage rolls at our gatherings, everyone raves about how tender the cabbage is and how rich the flavors are.

It’s truly a crowd-pleaser, and I’m confident that it will become a favorite in your household too.

Cabbage Rolls

4.5 from 815 votes

Cabbage rolls are a comforting dish filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and rice, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

1 large head of cabbage
1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the Sauce

1 can (28 oz) 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.
2Add whole cabbage and boil until leaves are tender and can be easily pulled off, about 5-7 minutes.
3Remove cabbage and set aside to cool.
4When cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the leaves and set aside.
5In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
6Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
7This mixture will be used to fill the cabbage leaves.
8Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board.
9Place a small amount of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) at the base of the leaf.
10Roll the leaf tightly around the filling, folding in the sides as you roll to enclose the filling completely.
11Repeat with remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
12In a large saucepan, combine tomato sauce, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
13Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
14Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the saucepan, making sure they are submerged in the sauce.
15Cover the saucepan and simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the cabbage is tender.
16The cabbage rolls are done when the rice is fluffy and the cabbage is soft and easily pierced with a fork.
17Remove the cabbage rolls from the saucepan and transfer them to a serving plate.
18Spoon the sauce over the top of the cabbage rolls.
19Serve hot and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Mixing bowl
Baking sheet

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra flavor.

These cabbage rolls are always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with family and friends. They’re incredibly easy to make and customize according to your taste preferences.

And let’s not forget about their numerous health benefits – they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the cabbage itself. To store leftover cabbage rolls, refrigerate them within two hours of cooking and reheat by steaming or sautéing when ready to serve again.

You can also freeze them for up to three months – simply thaw overnight before reheating as usual.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Rolls

Q: What type of meat should I use for the filling?

A: Traditionally, ground pork or beef is used for the filling, but you can also use turkey or chicken if you prefer. Just be sure to cook the meat until it’s fully browned before adding it to the cabbage leaves.

Q: Can I use frozen cabbage instead of fresh?

A: While frozen cabbage won’t provide the same texture as fresh, it will still work in a pinch. Just thaw it first by leaving it at room temperature or by microwaving it according to package instructions.

Q: How do I prevent the cabbage rolls from falling apart during cooking?

A: To prevent this from happening, make sure you don’t overfill the cabbage leaves with filling – leave some room for expansion during cooking. Also, use toothpicks or skewers to hold them together if needed.

Q: Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?

A: Yes – you can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook. Simply let them come to room temperature before cooking as usual.

Q: What if I don’t have any broth on hand?

A: No problem! You can use water or chicken stock as a substitute if needed. However, keep in mind that broth adds so much flavor to these rolls – so do try using it if possible.

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