Traditional Ukrainian Holubtsi Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1.5 cups of long grain rice
  • 1 lb of ground pork
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can of tomato soup (10.75 oz)
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Remove the core from the cabbage and place the head in a large pot filled with boiling, salted water. Cover and cook for 3 minutes, or until softened enough to pull off individual leaves. You will need about 18 leaves.
  3. When leaves are cool enough to handle, use a paring knife to cut away the thick center stem from each leaf, without cutting all the way through.
  4. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then cook in boiling water until it's half cooked. Drain in a colander and set aside.
  5. In a large skillet, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 5 minutes, until onion is translucent.
  6. Add ground pork to the skillet and cook until it's no longer pink. Turn off the heat and stir in the half-cooked rice.
  7. To fill the cabbage leaves, put a spoonful of the pork and rice mixture onto the center of each leaf. Roll away from you to encase the meat. Flip the right side of the leaf to the middle, then flip the left side. You will have something that looks like an envelope. Once again, roll away from you to create a neat little roll.
  8. Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in a large baking dish.
  9. Mix together tomato soup, diced tomatoes, and water in a bowl. Pour over cabbage rolls.
  10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and cook in the oven for 2 hours. Let the cabbage rolls cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for boiling the cabbage
  • Paring knife - for removing the thick center stem from cabbage leaves
  • Colander - for draining the cooked rice
  • Large skillet - for cooking the ground pork and onion mixture
  • Spoon - for filling the cabbage leaves with the pork and rice mixture
  • Baking dish - for arranging the cabbage rolls
  • Aluminum foil - for covering the baking dish while baking
  • Bowl - for mixing together the tomato soup, diced tomatoes, and water

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground pork with a plant-based ground meat alternative, such as soy crumbles or lentils.
  • Beef Variation: Substitute the ground pork with ground beef or a mixture of ground beef and ground pork for a different flavor.
  • Chicken Variation: Use ground chicken instead of ground pork for a lighter option.
  • Bacon Twist: Wrap each cabbage roll with a strip of bacon before baking for added flavor.
  • Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the filling mixture for a spicy twist.
  • Cheesy Variation: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the cabbage rolls before pouring the tomato soup mixture for a cheesy layer.
  • Mushroom Variation: Saute some finely chopped mushrooms and add them to the filling mixture for a mushroom-infused flavor.
  • Herb Infusion: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme to the filling mixture for extra freshness and aroma.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace the regular long grain rice with cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free version.
  • Tomato-Free Variation: Substitute the tomato soup and diced tomatoes with a creamy sauce like mushroom sauce or white sauce.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Holubtsi, a traditional Ukrainian dish that's both hearty and comforting. These delicious cabbage rolls are filled with a savory mixture of ground pork and rice, then baked to perfection in a tangy tomato sauce. This recipe may require some patience and skill in the kitchen, but the end result is absolutely worth it - a dish that's rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Expect to spend some time preparing the cabbage leaves and filling, but once you've got all your rolls lined up in your baking dish, you can relax as the oven does the rest of the work. Whether you're making these for a family dinner or a special occasion, Holubtsi is a recipe that's sure to impress. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of cabbage? Yes, you can use different types of cabbage such as Savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage, but the cooking time may vary slightly.
  2. Can I substitute the ground pork with another meat? Absolutely! You can substitute ground pork with ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground meat with cooked lentils or a meat substitute. For a vegan version, ensure that the tomato soup and diced tomatoes are vegan-friendly.
  4. Can I prepare the cabbage rolls in advance? Yes, you can assemble the cabbage rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight. When you're ready to cook, simply pour the tomato sauce over the rolls and bake as directed.
  5. Can I freeze the cabbage rolls? Yes, you can freeze the cabbage rolls. After baking, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  6. What can I serve with holubtsi? Holubtsi are delicious served with sour cream or plain yogurt on top. They can be accompanied by mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking Dish - A large baking dish to place the cabbage rolls in for baking.
  • Large Pot - A pot large enough to boil the cabbage head and soften the leaves.
  • Paring Knife - A knife with a short, narrow blade used for trimming and cutting away the thick center stem of the cabbage leaves.
  • Skillet - A large skillet or frying pan to cook the ground pork and onion mixture.
  • Colander - A colander to drain the cooked rice after it's half-cooked.
  • Aluminum Foil - Foil to cover the baking dish while the cabbage rolls are cooking in the oven.
  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl to mix together the tomato soup, diced tomatoes, and water for the sauce.

Origin stories

Holubtsi, or stuffed cabbage rolls, are a classic dish deeply rooted in Ukrainian culinary tradition. This heartwarming staple, known for its comforting mix of tender cabbage, savory meat, and grain filling, has been enjoyed by generations of Ukrainian families, often prepared for Sunday dinners and festive occasions. Legend has it, hutsuls - the highlanders in the Carpathian Mountains - would prepare Holubtsi to invoke good fortune. They believed that the more rolls they made, the more prosperity would come their way. Thus, in the chill of winter, you would often find them diligently wrapping cabbage leaves around mounds of filling, their homes filled with the inviting aroma of cooking Holubtsi, while they anticipated the abundance the new year would bring.

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.