Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

 

🥬 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Comforting Classic from the Heart

There are few dishes as timeless, hearty, and soul-satisfying as Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. A beloved recipe in many cultures—from Eastern Europe to the Middle East—these little bundles of joy are a delicious combination of tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory, flavorful filling, then simmered slowly in a rich tomato sauce.

Whether you're preparing a cozy family dinner or a make-ahead meal for the week, this dish checks all the boxes: comforting, filling, and surprisingly simple.

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🌍 A Dish with History

Stuffed cabbage rolls (also known as golabki, sarma, holubtsi, or malfouf mahshi, depending on where you’re from) have been around for centuries. Though regional variations abound, the core idea remains the same: a leaf, a filling, a slow cook, and lots of love.

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📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the cabbage:

• 1 large head of green cabbage

For the filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or use pork/turkey/lentils for variation)

• 1 cup cooked rice

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tsp paprika (optional for warmth)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

For the tomato sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup water or broth (to thin the sauce)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Cabbage

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

• Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head.

• Place the whole cabbage into the boiling water and boil for 5–8 minutes, gently peeling away the softened outer leaves as they loosen. Set aside about 12–15 large leaves.

2. Make the Filling

• In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, egg, herbs, and seasoning. Mix until fully incorporated but don’t overwork the mixture.

3. Roll the Cabbage

• Take a cabbage leaf, trim the thick stem part to make it easier to roll.

• Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold the sides over and roll tightly like a burrito.

• Repeat with all the leaves.

4. Prepare the Sauce

• In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.

• Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Assemble and Cook

• Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a large pot or baking dish.

• Layer the cabbage rolls seam-side down.

• Pour the remaining sauce over the top, covering the rolls.

• Cover the pot with a lid or foil and simmer on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours (or bake at 350°F / 175°C for the same time).

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🍽 How to Serve

Stuffed cabbage rolls are best enjoyed hot and fresh, with:

• A dollop of sour cream

• Crusty bread for mopping up the sauce

• A side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables

• Fresh dill or parsley sprinkled on top

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💡 Tips and Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the meat with lentils, mushrooms, or chopped walnuts.

• Add spice: A dash of chili flakes or cayenne adds a nice kick.

• Make ahead: These rolls taste even better the next day, making them great for meal prep or freezing.

• Try red cabbage: For a vibrant twist and slightly different flavor.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are more than just a recipe—they’re a tradition passed down through generations. Whether you're recreating your grandmother’s version or putting your own spin on it, each roll is packed with love, history, and comfort.

So, grab a head of cabbage, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the warm, hearty magic that only homemade stuffed cabbage can bring.

Happy cooking! 🥘