Traditional Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls

Name: Traditional Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 1 large green cabbage (core removed); 500 g ground pork; 1 cup cooked rice (cooled); 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 cups tomato sauce; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider); 1 tsp dried dill

120 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Classic Ukrainian cabbage rolls stuffed with a savoury meat and rice filling, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and baked in a rich tomato sauce.

Prep

30 min

Cook

90 min

Total

120 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Ukrainian cabbage rolls, known as 'holubtsi', are a beloved comfort food in many Eastern European households. Each roll is packed with a delicious blend of meat and rice, encased in soft cabbage leaves, and baked to perfection in a tangy tomato sauce. This recipe stays true to its roots, delivering authentic flavours that have been passed down through generations. The key to great cabbage rolls is ensuring the cabbage leaves are tender enough to wrap around the filling easily, and allowing the rolls to bake slowly to let the flavours meld together. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Perfect for family gatherings, these cabbage rolls are sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

Servings

For the cabbage rolls

For the sauce

Instructions

Prepare the cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully place the cabbage in the water and blanch for about 5 minutes until the outer leaves are tender. Remove and let cool slightly, peeling off the leaves as they become soft.

Pro tip: Use a fork to help separate the leaves gently.

Prepare the filling

In a skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil and sauté the onions and garlic until translucent. In a large bowl, combine the cooked onion mixture, ground pork, rice, salt, and pepper.

Pro tip: Ensure the rice is cool before mixing it with the meat.

Fill and roll the cabbage leaves

Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling onto each cabbage leaf. Roll the leaf around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go to form a neat roll.

Pro tip: Secure the rolls with toothpicks if necessary.

Arrange the rolls

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the rolls snugly in a baking dish in a single layer.

Pro tip: Use a deep baking dish to accommodate the sauce.

Prepare the sauce

In a bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, chicken broth, sugar, vinegar, and dill. Pour over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are mostly covered.

Pro tip: Adjust seasoning of the sauce to taste before pouring.

Bake the cabbage rolls

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 hours. The rolls should be tender and the sauce thickened.

Pro tip: Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes for a deeper flavour.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Blanch cabbage leaves in boiling water to make them pliable and easy to roll.
Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the cabbage core before boiling.
For a vegetarian version, replace meat with mushrooms and lentils.
Double the recipe and freeze extras for an easy future meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these hearty cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream on top for added richness and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a burst of freshness. Pair them with a side of crusty bread or a simple cucumber salad. These cabbage rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in the oven until heated through for a convenient and comforting meal.

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