Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Traditional Family Recipe

Stuffed cabbage rolls, or “gołąbki” as they’re known in Polish, are a beloved traditional dish that bring the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is perfect for family gatherings or a hearty dinner.

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Ingredients

• 1 head of white cabbage
• 2 medium carrots
• 1 onion
• 1 dry roll or bread roll
• 1 egg
• 700 g (1.5 lbs) ground pork
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Several bay leaves
• A few allspice berries
• A few sprigs of dill and parsley
• Optional: A piece of lard to line the bottom of the pot

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Instructions

1. Preparing the Vegetables

• Cabbage: Blanch the head of cabbage in boiling water until the leaves are pliable. Set aside.
• Carrots and Onion: Slice the carrots and finely chop the onion.

2. Preparing the Meat Mixture

• Mixing Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped onion, egg, and the soaked and squeezed dry roll.
• Seasoning: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Forming the Cabbage Rolls

• Rolling: Lay out each cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Place a portion of the meat mixture in the center of each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly.

4. Cooking the Cabbage Rolls

• Lining the Pot: If using lard, place it at the bottom of a large pot or Dutch oven. Cover with a layer of cabbage leaves.
• Adding Flavor: Add the bay leaves, allspice berries, dill, parsley, and sliced carrots to the pot.
• Layering: Place the cabbage rolls on top of the prepared layer, arranging them snugly in the pot.
• Adding Water: Pour enough water to cover the rolls completely.
• Simmering: Cover and simmer over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender.

5. Serving

• Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls hot, drizzled with the flavorful cooking liquid from the pot. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or potato purée.

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Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 20 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g

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Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Servings: 6

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Tips and Variations

• Meat Mix: You can use a mix of pork and beef or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Additional Flavor: Add some finely chopped garlic to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: For a different twist, cook the rolls in a tomato sauce instead of water.

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Seasonal Note

• This dish is great for colder months when hearty meals are especially comforting, but it’s enjoyed year-round in many households.

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Presentation

• Serve the cabbage rolls on a large platter, garnished with fresh dill or parsley. This not only enhances the flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing.

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Stuffed cabbage rolls are a versatile and tasty dish that can elevate any meal. Perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a delightful dinner at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy this traditional dish that brings the warmth and taste of family home-cooked meals to your table. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear where you’re from and how you liked it! Share your experience and any personal touches you added to the recipe.

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