Russian Cabbage Rolls Golubtsi

Experience the comforting flavors of Eastern Europe with this classic recipe for Russian Cabbage Rolls (Golubtsi). Tender green cabbage leaves are lovingly wrapped around a savory filling of ground beef, ground pork, and fluffy white rice, perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion. Simmered to perfection in a rich tomato-based sauce, these cabbage rolls become melt-in-your-mouth tender, making every bite a hearty, soul-warming delight. With a preparation time of just 40 minutes and a slow simmer that allows the flavors to meld beautifully, this dish is a great make-ahead option for family dinners or gatherings. Serve these Golubtsi piping hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a dollop of tangy sour cream for an authentic Russian touch. Whether you're new to cabbage rolls or revisiting a nostalgic favorite, this recipe is sure to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of traditional Slavic cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:130 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 head Green cabbage
• 500 grams Ground beef
• 250 grams Ground pork
• 200 grams Cooked white rice
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large Egg
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 400 grams Crushed tomatoes
• 500 milliliters Beef or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Dill, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Remove the core from the head of cabbage and boil it in a large pot of salted water for 10 minutes. Carefully peel away 12-15 large leaves and set aside to cool.

Step 2

Finely chop the remaining inner cabbage that cannot be used as wrappers and set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4

Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture near the stem end. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 5

Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped inner cabbage and sauté for 5 minutes.

Step 6

In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef or chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour half of this sauce over the sautéed cabbage.

Step 7

Arrange the cabbage rolls, seam-side down, over the sautéed cabbage and tomato sauce in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls.

Step 8

Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer the cabbage rolls for 1.5 hours, occasionally spooning the sauce over them to keep them moist.

Step 9

Once cooked, sprinkle the rolls with freshly chopped dill (if desired) and serve hot with sour cream on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2469.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2734.9

Total Fat 177.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 61.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 18.9g
Cholesterol 798.5mg	0%
Sodium 7754.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 121.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.2g	0%
Total Sugars 33.5g
Protein 175.5g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 456.5mg	0%
Iron 20.5mg	0%
Potassium 3668.7mg	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: 57.4%

Protein: 25.2%

Carbs: 17.4%