Traditional Jewish Holishkes Recipe: Savory Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

  • 12 cabbage leaves
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup raisins

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cabbage leaves and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until softened; drain.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, onion, egg, black pepper and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Divide the beef mixture evenly among the cabbage leaves. Roll and secure them with toothpicks or string.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, and raisins.
  6. Pour the sauce over the stuffed cabbage rolls.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  8. Let the holishkes cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked quinoa or a mixture of diced mushrooms and lentils.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace the white rice with cooked quinoa or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Pork or turkey filling: Instead of ground beef, use ground pork or ground turkey for a different flavor.
  • Spiced filling: Add spices such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder to the meat mixture for a more flavorful filling.
  • Vegetable stuffing: Instead of meat, stuff the cabbage leaves with a mixture of seasoned sautéed vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini.
  • Sweet and sour sauce variation: Experiment with different sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup, and add ingredients like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a tangier flavor.

Recipe overview

Holishkes, also known as stuffed cabbage rolls, is a traditional Jewish dish that's often served during the holiday of Sukkot. This recipe is a delightful blend of savory and sweet, thanks to the unique combination of ground beef, rice, and a tangy tomato sauce infused with brown sugar, lemon juice, and raisins. Expect to get your hands a bit messy during the stuffing and rolling process, but the end result is a flavorful, hearty dish that's well worth the effort. This recipe takes about an hour to make and yields 12 delicious holishkes. Enjoy them as a main course, or as a satisfying side dish.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of cabbage? Yes, you can use other types of cabbage such as savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage if you prefer.
  2. Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat? Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP).
  3. Can I omit the rice from the filling? Yes, if you prefer a grain-free option, you can omit the rice or substitute it with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
  4. Can I make the holishkes in advance? Yes, you can assemble the stuffed cabbage rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
  5. Can I freeze the holishkes? Yes, you can freeze the cooked holishkes. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  6. Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce? Certainly! If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or adjust it to your taste.
  7. Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Of course! You can customize the filling by adding herbs like parsley or dill, grated carrots, or even diced bell peppers.
  8. Can I use a different sauce for the holishkes? Yes, you can experiment with different sauces such as marinara sauce, barbecue sauce, or a combination of tomato sauce and sour cream.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A medium-sized mixing bowl to combine the ground beef and other ingredients.
  • Large Pot - A pot to boil the cabbage leaves.
  • Baking Dish - A baking dish to place the stuffed cabbage rolls in before baking.
  • Aluminum Foil - To cover the baking dish while baking.
  • Toothpicks or String - To secure the stuffed cabbage rolls.

Origin stories

Holishkes, also known as stuffed cabbage rolls, are a beloved dish in Jewish cuisine, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews from Eastern Europe. The dish was conceived out of necessity during the hard times when meat was a luxury. To extend the precious supply, people began to incorporate readily available ingredients like rice and cabbage, creating a hearty and filling meal with just a small amount of meat. The sweet and sour sauce, a unique combination of tomato sauce, sugar, and lemon juice, is a testament to the ingenuity of Jewish cooks, making the best out of the limited ingredients they had. Enjoying holishkes today is like tasting a piece of history, a humble yet delicious reminder of the resilience and creativity of our ancestors.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.