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.
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.