Traditional Polish Golabki Recipe – Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

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There’s something special about going into the kitchen to make a traditional Polish ‘gołąbki’ recipe. It reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with love and the comforting smell of stuffed cabbage rolls cooking in tomato sauce.

The simple ingredients created a mix of comforting flavors that filled the house. It’s not just about the food—it’s about creating memories, honoring traditions, and gathering the family for a dinner that’s full of flavor and history.

Polish gołąbki are more than simple cabbage rolls; they represent a cherished part of traditional Polish cooking that has been shared through generations. Making this dish brings a piece of that heritage into your home.

Gołąbki: An Introduction

I will always remember the first time I discovered golabki. It was a warm winter evening in Poland. I entered a cozy kitchen where the delightful smell of homemade golabki surrounded me. My first experience with this cherished dish started my passion for Polish cuisine. The rich and tasty flavors stayed on my tongue, encouraging me to discover the cultural cooking traditions that make golabki unique.

The process started with a pot of boiling water, prepared to soften the cabbage leaves. I watched closely as each leaf was carefully separated and set aside, ready for its change. Wrapping that first cabbage leaf around a tasty meat filling felt like a special moment, linking me to many cooks before me who valued the tradition of making homemade golabki.

This dish represents more than a meal; it stands for warmth, family gatherings, and shared stories. As I explored Polish cuisine, I discovered that golabki is at the center of cultural traditions, uniting people, one cabbage roll at a time. Making this delicious dish is a rewarding experience that I now enjoy and love to share with friends and family.

Ingredients for Polish Cabbage Rolls Recipe

The right ingredients can determine the success of your Polish golabki. Let’s look at the basics, ensuring everything is fresh and tasty.

Key Ingredients

For the main part of the dish, you’ll need fresh, strong cabbage leaves. The filling is a tasty mix of ground meat, such as ground beef, ground turkey, or ground pork. Mix in some cooked rice to combine everything nicely. Finally, cover the rolls with delicious tomato sauce.

• Cabbage leaves
• Ground beef, ground turkey, or ground pork
• Cooked rice
• Tomato sauce

Spices and Seasonings

To create that rich, soothing flavor, you’ll need onions and garlic. These fragrant ingredients will be cooked until they are soft and golden. Try pairing your golabki with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

• Onions
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: mashed potatoes for serving

How to Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

The secret to great golabki lies in the soft cabbage leaves that wrap around the tasty filling. Begin with a fresh, firm head of cabbage to achieve the best results.

Cook the cabbage in boiling water.

Start by filling a large pot with boiling water. Put the entire green cabbage in the pot, making sure it is completely covered with water. Boil it for about 8 to 10 minutes until the leaves are soft. This step makes the cabbage softer and helps you separDivide the Leavesout tearing them.

Separate the Leaves

After the cabbage becomes soft, gently take it out of the large pot and allow it to cool a bit. Carefully remove the outer leaves, one by one. Keep peeling until you have enough leaves for your golabki. Handle carefully to prevent damaging the fragile leaves.

Now, you are ready to make the perfect rolls using your soft cabbage leaves!

Preparing the Meat Filling

Making the ideal meat filling for golabki is a delightful tradition. The rich flavors blend together beautifully, forming the essence of this traditional dish. Let’s get started with the preparation.

Sauté the onions and garlic.

First, we should enhance the flavors by cooking onions and garlic in a pan. The smell spreads through the kitchen, making you eager to taste. In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat, then add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until they become golden and smell nice.

Combine the filling ingredients.

It’s time to combine everything. In a big bowl, mix the sautéed onions and garlic with ground pork, ground beef, and 1/2 cup of cooked rice. Mix gently with your hands to make sure all the ingredients are well combined. Add a good amount of salt, pepper, and any spices you enjoy. The filling needs to be moist yet firm enough to stay together.

These steps are essential for making a tasty filling that respects the classic flavors of golabki. This mixture will quickly turn into soft, tasty cabbage rolls.

Making and Cooking Golabki

With our tender cabbage leaves and flavorful meat filling prepared, we can now assemble and cook the golabki. First, we will fill and roll the cabbage leaves, and then we will bake them until they are perfect.

Roll the cabbage

Start by putting some filling on each cabbage leaf that you have prepared. Roll the stuffed cabbage tightly, making sure to tuck in the sides to keep the filling inside. Make sure to put each roll seam side down to keep everything together.

Gently place the cabbage rolls into a baking dish or casserole dish, ensuring they fit closely together.

Baking the rolls

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Cover the cabbage rolls in the baking dish with tomato sauce, making sure all the rolls are fully coated. This will help them stay moist and tasty while cooking.

Wrap the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven for around 30 minutes. This is just the right amount of time for the flavors to blend and the cabbage to soften.

After finishing, allow the rolls to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavor of your homemade golabki.

In conclusion

Making and enjoying traditional Polish golabki is an experience that connects you to history and flavor. Every bite of these stuffed cabbage rolls brings the comfort of family recipes shared over the years. The smell that fills your kitchen while the golabki bake is a warm reminder of the comfort food we love so much.

Thinking about how to make them—from boiling the cabbage leaves to mixing the tasty meat filling and rolling up each soft leaf—there’s a special charm in traditional cooking that is truly unique.

These steps encourage us to take our time and enjoy the skill involved in these cooking traditions. Creating something with care and sharing it brings great happiness, whether it’s a simple weeknight meal or a special family event.

As you start making your own batch of these Polish cabbage rolls, keep in mind that each roll combines delicious flavors and meaningful stories. May your time in the kitchen create new memories with your loved ones, celebrating the joy of cooking together.

Polish Cabbage Rolls (Gołąbki)

Gołąbki are traditional Polish cabbage rolls filled with ground meat and rice, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, and baked in a tangy tomato sauce. This hearty dish celebrates family, heritage, and the warmth of homemade comfort food.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine polish

Servings 6 people

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients:

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef turkey, or pork (or a mix)
• ½ cup cooked rice
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional for Serving:

• Creamy mashed potatoes

Instructions

 

Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Place the whole cabbage head in the water. Boil for 8–10 minutes until leaves are tender.
• Gently peel off the leaves one by one and let them cool.

Make the Filling:

• Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and golden.
• In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, sautéed onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Assemble the Rolls:

• Place 2–3 tbsp of the meat filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
• Roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go, to seal the filling inside.
• Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.

Bake the Gołąbki:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Pour tomato sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls.
• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the rolls are soft and flavorful.

Serve:

• Let the rolls rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort.

Notes

• Meat Options: Mix beef and pork for richer flavor, or use turkey for a leaner alternative.
• Tomato Sauce: You can use canned sauce for convenience or homemade sauce for a more personalized taste.
• Storage: Gołąbki freeze well! Cool completely before freezing and reheat in the oven with a splash of sauce.

Keyword cabbage and meat rolls, comfort food, gołąbki recipe, Polish cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, tomato sauce cabbage rolls, traditional Polish dish

FAQ

What type of cabbage is best for making golabki?

Use green cabbage for golabki. When boiled, it becomes soft, which makes it easier to roll without breaking. Pick a head of cabbage that is heavy and firm to the touch.

Is it possible to use another kind of ground meat instead of beef?

Of course! You can use ground turkey, ground pork, or a combination of different ground meats. Every variation has its own distinct flavor. I really enjoy mixing ground beef and pork for extra flavor.

What is the best way to prepare cabbage leaves so they don’t tear?

Begin by boiling the head of cabbage in a large pot of boiling water for a few minutes to make the leaves softer. When the leaves are soft, gently pull them apart with tongs or a fork. This method stops tearing and makes it easier to roll the leaves.

What are the key spices and seasonings used in the filling?

The filling usually has cooked onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Adding herbs like parsley or dill can enhance the flavor. The spices and seasonings enhance the rich flavors of the ground meat and rice mix.

How long do I need to bake the golabki?

Once you have put the rolls together and arranged them in a baking dish, pour tomato sauce over the top and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes. The cabbage needs to be soft, and the filling should be completely cooked.

Is it okay to use canned tomato sauce, or is it better to make it from scratch?

You can choose either one! If you’re in a hurry, canned tomato sauce is a great option. Making your own tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes can give a unique flavor to the dish. Both choices are tasty and will go well with the golabki.

Is it possible to freeze stuffed cabbage rolls for future use?

Yes, golabki freeze very well. Once baked, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag for storage. When you’re ready to enjoy them, heat them in the oven, adding a bit more tomato sauce if necessary to keep them moist.