Why I Love Homemade Gołąbki?
Making homemade Gołąbki, – delicious Polish stuffed cabbage rolls, takes me right back to my babcia’s kitchen. There’s something about the mix of savory meat, rice, and tender cabbage, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce, that feels like a hug in food form. It’s a meal that fills the house with inviting aromas and brings everyone to the table, eager for a taste.
What I particularly adore about Gołąbki is how it combines simple ingredients into something so special. It’s a perfect example of traditional Polish cooking: hearty, comforting, and satisfying. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, Gołąbki always seems to be a hit, and the leftovers are just as sought after!
Expert Tips for Perfect Gołąbki
Cabbage Preparation: Softening the cabbage leaves properly is key. Blanching them makes them flexible enough to roll without tearing.
Filling Flavor: Season your filling well. The mix of ground pork, rice, and onions should be tasty on its own before even wrapping it in cabbage.
Roll Tightly: Ensuring each cabbage roll is snug and secure keeps the filling from falling out during cooking.
Tomato Sauce: The tomato sauce not only adds flavor but also moisture, preventing the Gołąbki from drying out. Don’t skip the heavy cream for an extra rich sauce.
Cooking Method: Whether you opt for baking or simmering, cooking the Gołąbki low and slow allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Usually gołąbki can be eaten by themselves. But if you want to make the dish. More filling i recommend adding some of your favorite side dishes!
- With Mashed Potatoes:The creaminess of mashed potatoes pairs wonderfully with the savory rolls and tomato sauce.
- Fresh Bread:A slice offresh sourdough rye breadis perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce.
- As a Standalone Dish:Sometimes, I just enjoy them on their own, letting the flavors shine.
How to Store Gołąbki?
Properly storing Gołąbki ensures you can enjoy this comforting meal over several days:
Cooling Down: Allow the Gołąbki to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent any moisture buildup.
Refrigeration: In an airtight container, Gołąbki will last up to 4 days in the fridge, making them a great make-ahead meal.
Freezing: Freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen, adding a bit more sauce to keep them moist.
Variations and Substitutions
- Mix Your Meats:Try a combo of pork and beef, or use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- No Meat?Sauté mushrooms, lentils, or quinoa as a hearty vegetarian filling.
- Rice Swap:Brown rice or even barley can be used instead of white rice for extra texture.
- Extra Veggies:Add chopped mushrooms, grated carrot, or celery to the filling for a twist. I also recommend to try this deliciousPolish Gołąbki with mushroom saucerecipe!
FAQ
Can I use a different meat for gołąbki filling?
Absolutely! While ground pork is traditional, ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian mix can be used as filling for Gołąbki.
Why my cabbage leaves tear while rolling?
Your cabbage leaves can tear if they aren’t soft enough, wich is caused by too short cooking. But if they tear just patch it up with another small piece of cabbage. Once it’s cooked, everything holds together nicely.
How can I make sure my Gołąbki don’t burn while cooking?
Placing a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish and keeping the dish covered during baking helps to prevent burning and ensures even cooking.
Golabki – Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 People
Description
This recipe for Polish gołąbki, taste just like from my babcia’s house! Indulge into these delicious meat stuffed cabbage rolls with tomato sauce!
Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 1 1/2 pounds Ground pork shoulder
- 1 head White cabbage
- 1 cup Cooked rice(cooled)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Bread crumbs
- Salt and pepper(to taste)
For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Chicken or beef broth
- 5 oz Tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 tsp dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Thyme
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream(optional)
- Salt and pepper(to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:Remove the core from the cabbage. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and discard them. Blanch the whole head in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then cool slightly. Carefully peel off the leaves, trimming any thick veins to make them more pliable and soft.
- Make the Filling:Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent and set aside to cool.
- Mix the filling:In a large bowl, mix the ground pork, cooked rice, breadcrumbs, sautéed onion, salt, and pepper. Combine well.
- Assemble the Rolls:Place a spoonful of the pork mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish or a large pot.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:In a bowl, whisk together the broth, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, and thyme. If using, gradually whisk in the heavy cream to the sauce.
- Cook the Gołąbki:Pour the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls. Cover and simmer on the stove or bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 1-1.5 hours, until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve:Enjoy the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, with a side of the sauce spooned over the top. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or fresh bread.
Notes
Put tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, so your gołąbki won’t burn during the process of baking.
You can cook the cabbage rolls in a big pot with a lid on a very low heat, or in a slow cooker.
Discard of the outer layers of the cabbage, to make sure they are clean.
Store after cooling, in a tight plastic container with a lid. Gołąbki last 4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Calories:350
Nutrition Information
Per 1 Serving:
Calories: 350, Carbs: 315g, Fat: 20g, Protein: 28
This website offers estimated nutritional details, which may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
