Hearty Polish Cabbage Rolls (Golabki)
These Hearty Polish Cabbage Rolls, known as Golabki, offer a delicious blend of flavors and textures that make for a satisfying one-dish meal. Packed with protein-rich ground meats and wholesome vegetables, along with the comforting touch of tender cabbage, these rolls are baked to perfection in a savory tomato sauce. Even those who aren't fond of cabbage will find these aromatic rolls hard to resist! Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, and you can also prepare them in a crockpot, making them an incredibly versatile option for any meal. A hearty, nutritious choice that is high in iron and vitamins A, B, and C, your family will keep coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cabbage leaves
12 large (Cut from head of cabbage)
Ground elk or beef
1 1/8 lbs (Ground)
Pork sausage or ground pork
1/8 lb (Ground)
Rice
1/2 cup (Cooked (1 cup dry rice yields 2 cups cooked))
Butter
1 tablespoon (Melted)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Milk
1/3 cup (Regular milk)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Sweet basil
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (Dried)
Paprika
1 tablespoon (Regular paprika)
Onions
1 1/2 tablespoons (Grated)
Celery
1 1/2 tablespoons (Diced)
Shredded carrot
1/4 cup (Raw, shredded)
Shredded cabbage
1/2 cup (Raw, shredded)
Tomato sauce
2 (8 ounce) cans (Canned)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (To sweeten sauce)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the cabbage leaves. Cut 12 large leaves from the cabbage head. Blanch the leaves by covering them with boiling water, allowing them to sit for 2-3 minutes until they are limp, and then drain. Alternatively, you can core the cabbage, boil it until the leaves become tender (10-15 minutes), and carefully peel off 12 large leaves, draining them after.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground elk (or beef), pork sausage (or ground pork), cooked rice, egg, milk, salt, pepper, sweet basil, garlic powder, paprika, and the grated onions, diced celery, shredded carrot, and shredded cabbage. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
4
Place a portion of the meat mixture (1-4 tablespoons, depending on the size of the leaf) in the center of each cabbage leaf. Tuck in the sides and roll the leaf around the filling tightly. For any leftover filling, you can shape them into small meatballs and set aside.
5
Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. If desired, pour the meatballs in as well.
6
In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce and brown sugar. Pour this mixture evenly over the cabbage rolls.
7
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the rolls are cooked through and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
21.7g
Carbs
14g
Protein
2g
Fiber
1.3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Polish Cabbage Rolls called?
They are traditionally known as Golabki.
What meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a blend of ground elk or beef and pork sausage or ground pork.
How do you prepare the cabbage leaves for rolling?
Blanch 12 large leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until limp, or core and boil the whole head for 10-15 minutes.
Is the rice used in the filling cooked or raw?
The rice should be cooked before being added to the meat mixture.
At what temperature should the cabbage rolls be baked?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the cabbage rolls need to cook?
They should bake for 45-60 minutes until the flavors meld and they are cooked through.
Can these cabbage rolls be made in a crockpot?
Yes, they can be prepared in a crockpot, making them a versatile meal option.
What vegetables are included in the meat filling?
The filling includes grated onions, diced celery, shredded carrot, and shredded cabbage.
How many calories are in a serving of these cabbage rolls?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What are the nutritional benefits of this dish?
It is high in iron and vitamins A, B, and C.
How do I prevent the cabbage rolls from unrolling?
Place them seam-side down in the baking dish and roll them tightly after tucking in the sides.
What goes into the sauce for the Golabki?
The sauce is a simple mixture of two 8-ounce cans of tomato sauce and one tablespoon of brown sugar.
What should I do with leftover filling?
Leftover meat filling can be shaped into small meatballs and baked alongside the cabbage rolls.
What spices are used to season the meat?
The seasoning includes salt, pepper, sweet basil, garlic powder, and paprika.
How much protein is in one serving?
One serving provides 14 grams of protein.
Is there any dairy in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of butter and 1/3 cup of milk.
How many large cabbage leaves are needed?
You will need 12 large leaves from a head of cabbage.
What is the total fat content?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
What makes this recipe suitable for those who don't like cabbage?
The aromatic blend of meats, spices, and savory tomato sauce makes the rolls hard to resist even for cabbage skeptics.
How much fiber is in this dish?
There are 2 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 21.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is mentioned as being perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.
Does this recipe use egg?
Yes, one beaten egg is used as a binder for the meat mixture.
Can I use ground pork instead of sausage?
Yes, ground pork is an acceptable substitute for pork sausage.
What type of paprika is used?
Regular paprika is specified for this recipe.
Should the baking dish be covered?
Yes, cover the baking dish with foil before putting it in the oven.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There is 1.3g of sugar per serving, primarily from the brown sugar in the sauce.
How much rice is needed?
You need 1/2 cup of cooked rice.
Is the celery diced or shredded?
The celery should be diced for the filling.
What is the preparation for the onions?
The onions should be grated before being mixed into the filling.