Traditional Lithuanian Balandėliai (Cabbage Rolls) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of ground pork
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of cooked rice
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 12 large cabbage leaves, blanched
  • 1 can (400 grams) of tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of vinegar

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked rice, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
  3. Take a blanched cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center.
  4. Fold in the sides of the cabbage leaf and roll up the cabbage leaf to encase the meat.
  5. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and meat mixture.
  6. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large pot.
  7. In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, sugar, and vinegar.
  8. Pour this sauce over the cabbage rolls in the pot.
  9. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 hour, until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.
  10. Serve the cabbage rolls hot, with the sauce spooned over the top.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the ground pork and other ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for chopping and prepping ingredients.
  • Large Pot - A pot large enough to accommodate the cabbage rolls.
  • Tongs - For blanching cabbage leaves and handling the hot rolls.
  • Spoon - For spooning the pork mixture onto the cabbage leaves.
  • Measuring Cup - To measure the cooked rice accurately.
  • Measuring Spoons - For measuring the salt, black pepper, sugar, and vinegar.
  • Bowl - A bowl for mixing the tomato sauce, sugar, and vinegar.

Recipe variations

  • Instead of ground pork, try using ground beef or ground turkey for the filling.
  • Add some cooked and diced bacon or ham to the filling mixture for added flavor.
  • Include grated carrots or diced bell peppers in the filling for added texture and color.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and breadcrumbs.
  • Experiment with different herbs and spices in the filling, such as thyme, paprika, or cumin, to customize the flavors.
  • Replace the cabbage leaves with blanched grape leaves or Swiss chard leaves for a different twist.
  • Instead of tomato sauce, try using a creamy sauce made with sour cream or yogurt.
  • Add grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, on top of the cabbage rolls before baking for a cheesy variation.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace the cooked rice with cooked quinoa or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Try baking the cabbage rolls in the oven instead of simmering on the stovetop for a different texture.

Recipe overview

Balandėliai, also known as Lithuanian cabbage rolls, are a traditional dish loved by many. This recipe brings together a hearty mix of ground pork, rice, onions, and garlic, all enveloped in tender cabbage leaves. Each roll is carefully simmered in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, resulting in a meal that's both comforting and satisfying. Balandėliai are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a warm, home-cooked meal. Although it requires some preparation, this dish is worth every minute spent on making it. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground pork? - Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground beef, ground turkey, or a mixture of different ground meats.
  2. Can I use a different type of grain instead of rice? - Absolutely! Instead of rice, you can use cooked quinoa, bulgur, or even couscous as a substitute.
  3. Can I use fresh cabbage leaves instead of blanching them? - Yes, you can use fresh cabbage leaves if you prefer. However, blanching the leaves helps to soften them and make them easier to roll.
  4. Can I make the cabbage rolls in advance? - Yes, you can make the cabbage rolls in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Alternatively, you can also freeze the uncooked cabbage rolls for future use.
  5. Can I use a different sauce for the cabbage rolls? - Certainly! While the recipe calls for a tomato sauce with sugar and vinegar, you can experiment with different sauces such as a creamy mushroom sauce or a tangy barbecue sauce.
  6. Are there any vegetarian or vegan alternatives? - Yes, you can create vegetarian or vegan cabbage rolls by substituting the ground meat with a mixture of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and vegetables. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large mixing bowl - Needed to combine the ground pork, onion, garlic, rice, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Pot - Used to cook the cabbage rolls in tomato sauce.
  • Spoon - To mix the ingredients in the bowl and to spoon the sauce over the cabbage rolls.
  • Knife - Required to finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  • Cutting board - Used as a surface to chop the onion and garlic.
  • Measuring cup - To accurately measure the amount of cooked rice.
  • Measuring spoons - Needed to measure the salt, black pepper, sugar, and vinegar.

Origin stories

Balandėliai, or Lithuanian stuffed cabbage, is a cherished national dish that has warmed hearts and homes for generations. According to folklore, the dish symbolizes the return of spring. The word "Balandėliai" translates to "little doves", a reference to an old Lithuanian tradition which marked the arrival of the first migratory doves as the beginning of warmer days. The dish, with its tender cabbage leaves enveloping a heart of savory meat and rice, evokes the image of a dove huddled against the cold, promising the comfort of spring with every bite. It's not just a dish, it's a testament to Lithuanian resilience, heart, and the unending cycles of nature.

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.