Stuffed Polish Cabbage Recipe (Golumpki) the Traditional Way

Polish stuffed cabbage rolls redefine humble ingredients into a heartwarming meal that resonates with generations of culinary tradition.

(golumpki) represents more than just food; it’s a nostalgic connection to family kitchens and cultural heritage.

Tender cabbage leaves carefully envelop a rich mixture of seasoned meat and rice, creating a satisfying bite that blends textures and flavors.

These delectable rolls carry the warmth of home-cooked comfort, promising a deeply satisfying dining experience.

Each carefully crafted bundle tells a story of resourcefulness and love, reflecting the resourceful spirit of traditional Polish cooking.

The blend of simple ingredients creates a complex and deeply comforting meal that feels both rustic and refined.

Generations have passed down this recipe, ensuring its place as a beloved family favorite.

Stuffed Polish Cabbage Rolls (Golumpki) with Savory Filling

• Comfort Food Champion: Golumpki wraps hearty ground meats and rice in tender cabbage leaves, delivering a warm, satisfying meal that feels like a hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: The recipe combines basic ingredients like beef, pork, and tomato sauce to create a rich, complex taste that transforms humble components into a delectable traditional Polish dish.
• Smart Meal Prep Marvel: These cabbage rolls can be prepared ahead of time, freeze beautifully, and reheat perfectly, making them an ideal solution for busy families wanting a nutritious meal without extensive daily cooking effort.
• Cultural Culinary Journey: Each bite transports you to Polish dining traditions, offering an authentic experience that connects you with generations of home cooks who have lovingly prepared this classic comfort meal.

Ingredients for Golumpki Stuffed Cabbage

Main Ingredients:

• Green Cabbage: Sturdy leaf perfect for wrapping, choose a firm and fresh head with bright green leaves.
• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Lean meats providing rich flavor and protein, select fresh meat with minimal fat.

• Rice: Cooked white rice acts as a binding agent and adds texture to the filling, use long-grain varieties.

• Yellow Onion, Garlic: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic base, choose firm and fragrant specimens.
• Lemon Peel: Adds bright citrus notes to enhance meat mixture, use fresh lemon for best zest.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste, use freshly ground black pepper for intensity.

• Egg: Helps bind the meat mixture together, use fresh large eggs at room temperature.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates rich, tangy sauce base, select high-quality canned tomatoes.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking foundation and subtle flavor.
• Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency and prevent burning.

• Fresh Dill: Optional herb that adds fresh, bright finish to the dish, choose vibrant green sprigs.

Rolling and Baking Guide for Golumpki

Step 1: Prepare Cabbage Leaves

Remove the core from the cabbage bottom using a sharp knife.

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.

Gently submerge the whole cabbage into boiling water.

Cook for 3-5 minutes until leaves become soft and pliable.

Carefully remove cabbage and place on a clean kitchen towel.

Let cabbage cool down completely.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Meat Filling

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Grated onion
• Minced garlic
• Lemon zest
• Egg
• Cooked rice

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large mixing bowl.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Craft Rich Tomato Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Sauté grated onion and garlic until fragrant.

• Crushed tomatoes
• Water
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Separate and Trim Cabbage Leaves

Carefully peel off individual cabbage leaves.

Use a paring knife to trim the thick stem at the base of each leaf.

Make a gentle cut to help leaves lay flat.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Dishes

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish.

Step 6: Roll Cabbage Packages

Place a small portion of meat filling in the center of each leaf.

Fold sides of leaf over filling.

Roll from bottom to top, creating a neat package.

Arrange rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Bake and Serve

Pour remaining tomato sauce over cabbage rolls.

Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.

Bake for 50-60 minutes until filling is cooked through.

Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes.

Garnish with fresh chopped dill.

Tips for Tender Polish Cabbage Rolls

• Blanch Cabbage Wisely: Remove cabbage leaves gently to prevent tearing, and cool immediately in ice water to stop cooking and maintain vibrant green color.
• Mix Meat Thoroughly: Use clean hands to blend ground meats and ingredients, ensuring even distribution of flavors without overworking the mixture.
• Control Filling Amount: Add just enough meat mixture to each leaf so rolls are compact but not bursting, which helps maintain their shape during baking.
• Layer Strategically: Place a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of baking dishes to prevent sticking and add extra moisture to the golumpki.
• Rest Before Serving: Let stuffed cabbage rolls sit for 10-15 minutes after baking, allowing flavors to meld and making them easier to serve without falling apart.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Golumpki

• Refrigerate: Store leftover golumpki in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the rolls and sauce together to maintain moisture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Reheat: Warm golumpki in a covered dish at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. For microwave, cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Side Dishes and Sauces for Stuffed Cabbage

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Polish or Hungarian red wine like Zweigelt or Kadarka to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the golumpki and cut through its hearty texture.
• Serve with Tangy Cucumber Salad: Prepare a quick Polish-style cucumber salad with sour cream, dill, and a splash of vinegar to provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, savory cabbage rolls.
• Match with Hearty Pilsner Beer: A crisp, cold Polish pilsner like Zywiec or Tyskie will balance the dense meat filling and enhance the traditional Eastern European dining experience with its clean, malty profile.
• Add Rustic Rye Bread: Serve warm, crusty rye bread on the side to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide an additional layer of traditional Polish comfort food texture.

Variations on Polish Golumpki

• Vegetarian Polish Delight: Replace ground meats with crumbled tofu, lentils, or quinoa mixed with sautéed mushrooms for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Mediterranean Fusion Roll: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and chopped spinach into the filling. Use a light tomato and white wine sauce for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Spicy Mexican Cabbage Wrap: Add jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder to the meat mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with fresh salsa for a zesty kick.
• Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork. Mix in grated zucchini to keep the filling moist and add extra nutrition.

Stuffed Polish Cabbage (Golumpki) Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish golumpki roll tender cabbage leaves around seasoned ground meat, creating a comforting classic from Eastern European kitchens. Hearty, satisfying golumpki invite warm family gatherings with rich flavors that connect you to traditional Polish culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) lean ground beef
• 0.5 pound (0.23 kilograms) ground pork
• 1 large egg, beaten

Grains and Vegetables:

• 1 large green cabbage
• 2 cups (475 milliliters) cooked rice
• 0.5 small yellow onion, grated
• 0.5 small yellow onion, grated
• 4 large garlic cloves, grated
• 3 large garlic cloves, grated

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel (from 1 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 28 ounces (794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• Chopped fresh dill (optional)

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Instructions

1. Carefully extract the core from the cabbage head, creating a clean base for leaf removal.
2. Submerge the entire cabbage in rapidly boiling water, gently separating leaves until they become translucent and flexible (approximately 3-4 minutes).
3. Transfer cabbage leaves to a cooling rack, allowing them to reach a manageable temperature.
4. Combine ground meats with finely minced aromatics, incorporating cooked rice, beaten egg, and zesty lemon zest in a chilled mixing bowl.
5. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they become translucent and fragrant.
6. Introduce crushed tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper, then simmer the sauce to develop rich flavors.
7. Carefully trim the thick central rib from each cabbage leaf to ensure smooth rolling.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing two baking dishes with a protective layer of tomato sauce.
9. Place a precise portion of meat mixture near the leaf’s base, folding edges inward before tightly rolling each cabbage package.
10. Nestle the stuffed rolls snugly in the prepared baking dishes, ensuring they are closely packed.
11. Generously ladle remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, creating a moist cooking environment.
12. Roast in the preheated oven until the filling reaches a safe internal temperature and cabbage becomes tender (approximately 55 minutes).
13. Allow the golumpki to rest briefly, enabling flavors to meld and settle.
14. Optional: Garnish with fresh dill for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Tradition meets comfort in this hearty Polish classic that warms both body and soul.
• Golumpki transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece passed down through generations.
• Perfectly rolled cabbage leaves cradle a savory mixture of meat and rice, swimming in rich tomato sauce.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg