Holubky Slovak Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Discover the comforting flavors of Eastern Europe with Holubky, traditional Slovak stuffed cabbage rolls that are perfect for a hearty family meal. Tender green cabbage leaves are lovingly filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, beef, and partially cooked rice, accentuated by aromatic spices like garlic, paprika, and black pepper. These rolls are simmered to perfection in a rich tomato sauce infused with chicken broth and a touch of bay leaf, creating layers of depth and warmth. Finished with a dollop of sour cream, these rolls are as satisfying as they are authentic. With a prep time of just 40 minutes and a low-and-slow cooking process, Holubky is a classic comfort food that brings centuries-old culinary traditions to your modern dinner table. Perfect for a cozy weekend meal, this recipe guarantees to transport your taste buds to the heart of Slovakia.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:160 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage
• 500 grams ground pork
• 500 grams ground beef
• 200 grams white rice (uncooked)
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 800 milliliters tomato sauce
• 500 milliliters chicken broth
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 120 grams sour cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Directions

Step 1

Core the cabbage and carefully remove 12-15 large leaves. Boil a large pot of salted water and blanch the leaves for 2-3 minutes or until flexible. Remove and cool under cold water. Trim the thick stem veins if necessary.

Step 2

Rinse the rice under cold water and cook it just halfway in boiling water, about 6 minutes. Drain and let cool.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, rice, onion, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and minced garlic. Mix until well incorporated.

Step 4

Place a heaping tablespoon of meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll the leaf tightly by folding the sides inward and rolling from the base to the tip. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 5

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Layer any leftover cabbage leaves at the bottom to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Nestle the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single or double layer in the pot. Pour the tomato sauce and chicken broth over the rolls, ensuring they are mostly covered. Add the bay leaf.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, occasionally spooning sauce over the rolls.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Serve the cabbage rolls hot, drizzled with sour cream and extra tomato sauce if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3228.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4369.2

Total Fat 266.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 97.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 1083.5mg	0%
Sodium 7787.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 237.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.5g	0%
Total Sugars 43.7g
Protein 258.4g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 728.2mg	0%
Iron 20.7mg	0%
Potassium 2879.8mg	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: 54.7%

Protein: 23.6%

Carbs: 21.7%