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Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls, or Holubtsi, are a nostalgic comfort food filled with a rich blend of meats and rice, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 rolls
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Cabbage
  • 1 large green cabbage about 3.5 lbs; use firm heads for best results.
For the Filling
  • 1 lb ground pork can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • 1 lb ground beef a mix of meats enhances taste complexity.
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice substitute cooked rice if preferred, adjusting cooking time.
  • 1 large onion finely chopped, about 1 cup.
  • 2 cloves garlic minced.
For the Sauce
  • 3 cups tomato sauce homemade or canned varieties work.
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or 1 tsp dried dill.
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked paprika can be an interesting twist.
  • 1.5 tsp salt divided; adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground is preferred.
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil can be substituted with olive oil.
  • 2 cups water or broth chicken or vegetable broth complements the flavors.
  • sour cream to taste; optional topping.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large Skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch 12 large outer leaves of cabbage for 2-3 minutes until pliable and bright green. Transfer to ice water to cool.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed long-grain white rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until tender.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté 1 finely chopped onion for about 5 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp of paprika, half of the salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper, and cook for an additional minute.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb of ground pork, 1 lb of ground beef, the cooled rice, and the sautéed onion mixture. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
  5. Trim the thick central vein of each cabbage leaf. Place about 2-3 tbsp of filling at the stem end, fold sides, and roll tightly.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish, arrange cabbage rolls seam side down, pour remaining sauce over, add 2 cups of broth, cover with foil, and bake for 1 to 1.25 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For juicy rolls, don’t skimp on the broth in the baking dish. Leftover cabbage rolls often taste even better the next day.

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