European Cabbage Rolls Holishkes

Discover the timeless charm of European Cabbage Rolls, also known as Holishkes—comfort food at its finest. This traditional recipe combines tender green cabbage leaves filled with a savory blend of ground beef, ground pork, and aromatic spices, along with cooked rice for the perfect texture. Each roll is lovingly nestled in a rich, tangy tomato sauce enhanced with a touch of brown sugar and lemon juice, creating a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. Blanched cabbage leaves make wrapping easy, while a slow bake in the oven ensures the rolls are melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whether served as a hearty main course or part of a festive holiday spread, these cabbage rolls are a delightful centerpiece. Pair with sour cream or crusty bread for an authentic, satisfying experience. Ideal for meal prep, this recipe is a delicious ode to old-world cooking traditions.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:130 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 head Green cabbage
• 1 pound Ground beef
• 0.5 pound Ground pork
• 1 cup Cooked white rice
• 1 medium, diced Yellow onion
• 2 cloves, minced Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 large Egg
• 28 ounces (1 can) Crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces (1 can) Tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 cup Water
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and cut out the core. Carefully lower the whole cabbage into the boiling water and blanch for 3-5 minutes. Remove the cabbage and peel off the softened outer leaves. Repeat until you have 12-14 large, pliable leaves. Set aside to cool.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and the egg. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3

Prepare the tomato sauce by mixing the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, water, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes and set aside.

Step 4

Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean work surface, vein side down. Place approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture near the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides of the cabbage leaf and roll it up tightly, like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining filling and cabbage leaves.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 6

Heat vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pan, working in batches if necessary, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side to lightly brown them.

Step 7

Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are fully covered. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil.

Step 8

Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 75-90 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.

Step 9

Allow the holishkes to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or crusty bread, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(8480.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4520.7

Total Fat 260.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 67.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 18.9g
Cholesterol 744.8mg	0%
Sodium 12076.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 328.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 70.7g	0%
Total Sugars 177.5g
Protein 206.8g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 972.9mg	0%
Iron 28.6mg	0%
Potassium 3767.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.2%

Protein: 18.4%

Carbs: 29.3%