Hearty Polish Golumpki: Classic Stuffed Cabbage Recipe

Hearty and comforting, these stuffed Polish cabbage rolls, known as (golumpki), weave traditional flavors into every delicious bite.

Polish kitchens have long celebrated this beloved dish that combines tender cabbage leaves with savory meat and rice.

Generations of home cooks have perfected the art of rolling and seasoning these delectable parcels.

The mix of ground beef, rice, and aromatic herbs creates a mouthwatering filling that melts in your mouth.

Each (golumpki) tells a story of culinary heritage and warm family gatherings around the dinner table.

Packed with rich, satisfying ingredients, these cabbage rolls offer a glimpse into authentic Polish comfort food.

Get ready to savor a classic recipe that brings the heart of Poland directly to your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Calories: 345 kcal

Servings: 7

What to Grab for Stuffed Polish Cabbage (Golumpki)

• Green Cabbage: Provides sturdy wrapper for delicate meat mixture, select firm and crisp head with vibrant green leaves for best texture and easy rolling.

• Lean Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Creates rich, hearty filling with balanced fat content, choose freshly ground meat from trusted butcher for optimal flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweet undertone and moisture to meat mixture, select firm onion without soft spots or sprouting.
• Garlic Cloves: Infuses deep, aromatic flavor into filling, choose plump cloves with tight, unblemished skin.
• Lemon Peel: Introduces bright, citrusy note that cuts through meat's richness, use fresh lemon with smooth, bright skin.
• Large Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structural integrity to filling, select fresh, room-temperature egg.
• Cooked Rice: Creates soft texture and helps stretch meat mixture, use day-old rice for better binding.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides base for sauce with smooth, fruity undertone, choose high-quality cold-pressed variety.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Delivers rich, tangy base for sauce, select San Marzano or vine-ripened tomatoes for deeper flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance overall dish's flavor profile, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma.

• Fresh Dill: Adds refreshing herbal finish, select bright green, crisp sprigs with no wilting.

Stuffed Polish Cabbage (Golumpki) Cooking Tools

• Large pot: For boiling cabbage and creating tender leaves.
• Large mixing bowl: To combine and mix meat filling ingredients.
• Saucepan: For preparing delicious tomato sauce.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Primary dish for arranging cabbage rolls.
• 2-quart baking dish: Secondary dish for additional cabbage rolls.
• Cutting board: For trimming cabbage stems and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: To detach and trim cabbage leaves precisely.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring sauce and mixing filling.
• Grater: To prepare grated onion and garlic.

How to Prepare Stuffed Polish Cabbage (Golumpki)

Cabbage Leaf Journey

• Cabbage Preparation Softening the green leaves becomes your first mission. Cut out the tough stem at the bottom and drop the entire cabbage into boiling water. Watch as the leaves transform into flexible, bright green wrappers within 3-5 minutes. Gently remove and let them cool down completely.
• Filling Creation A delicious mixture awaits your culinary skills. Blend ground meats with aromatic ingredients like grated onions, minced garlic, a whisked egg, and cooked rice. Let the flavors mingle and chill while you prepare the next steps.
• Sauce Magic Craft a rich tomato sauce that will elevate your dish. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until they release their tantalizing aroma. Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer into a luscious liquid.
• Rolling Technique Carefully separate each softened cabbage leaf. Trim the thick stem to ensure smooth rolling. Spoon your flavor-packed filling onto each leaf and fold into neat little packages.
• Baking Transformation Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F. Nestle your cabbage rolls into a baking dish, generously coating them with the vibrant tomato sauce. Let the oven work its magic for about an hour until the rolls are perfectly cooked.
• Serving Finale Allow your golumpki to rest briefly after emerging from the oven. Optionally, sprinkle some fresh dill on top for a burst of herbal freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your traditional Polish comfort food.

Recipe Tips for Stuffed Polish Cabbage (Golumpki)

• Flavor-Boosting Tricks: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the meat mixture for extra depth and complexity.
• Meat-Swap Magic: Replace ground beef and pork with ground turkey or lamb for a lighter or more robust flavor profile. Vegetarian lovers can use a blend of mushrooms, lentils, and quinoa as a hearty alternative filling.
• Sauce-Upgrade Strategy: Enhance the tomato sauce by adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving. For a spicier version, mix in some hot paprika or red pepper flakes to give the sauce a warming kick.
• Prep-Ahead Perfection: These cabbage rolls freeze beautifully. Assemble the entire dish, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready to enjoy a quick, comforting meal.
• Storage Wisdom: Leftover golumpki will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of extra tomato sauce to prevent drying out and maintain the rolls' juicy texture.

Serving Stuffed Polish Cabbage (Golumpki) Right

• Rustic Family Feast: Serve these golumpki with a hearty slice of crusty rye bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce, creating a complete meal that feels like a warm hug from a Polish grandmother.
• Comfort Plate Companion: Pair the cabbage rolls with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, which perfectly complement the rich, savory flavors of the meat and sauce.
• Winter Wellness Bowl: Create a cozy meal by adding a side of tangy sauerkraut or a crisp cucumber salad with dill to balance the richness of the stuffed cabbage rolls and add a refreshing crunch to your plate.
• Heritage Dinner Experience: Enhance the traditional feel by serving the golumpki with a chilled Polish beer or a glass of robust red wine, transforming your meal into a genuine cultural celebration that honors the recipe's roots.

Leftover Storage for Stuffed Polish Cabbage (Golumpki)

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked golumpki in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The stuffed cabbage rolls maintain their delicious flavor and texture when properly sealed.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual rolls in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a heavy-duty freezer bag. These hearty rolls can stay frozen for 2-3 months without losing their authentic Polish taste.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated or thawed golumpki in a covered oven dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of extra tomato sauce to keep the rolls moist and prevent drying out.
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and separate portions into meal-prep containers. These golumpki make fantastic make-ahead lunches or quick weeknight dinners that taste even better the next day.

Hearty Polish Cabbage Rolls

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish golumpki rolls showcase tender cabbage leaves embracing seasoned ground meat and rice. Savory, comforting layers deliver classic Eastern European flavors you’ll crave with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) lean ground beef
• 0.5 pound (0.23 kilograms) ground pork
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 large green cabbage
• 2 cups (475 milliliters) cooked rice
• 0.5 small yellow onion, grated
• 4 large garlic cloves, grated
• 28 ounces (794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel (from 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) water
• Chopped fresh dill (optional)

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Instructions

1. Leaf Preparation: Core the cabbage and submerge in boiling water, gently separating translucent leaves until pliable, then transfer to a cooling rack.
2. Filling Creation: In a chilled mixing bowl, blend ground meats with minced aromatics, cooked rice, beaten egg, and lemon zest, ensuring thorough incorporation.
3. Sauce Development: Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add crushed tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper, and simmer to intensify flavors.
4. Roll Assembly: Trim cabbage leaf ribs, preheat oven to 350°F, and line baking dishes with tomato sauce. Position meat mixture near leaf base, fold edges, and roll tightly.
5. Baking Process: Arrange cabbage rolls snugly in prepared dishes, cover with remaining sauce, and roast until filling reaches safe temperature and cabbage becomes tender, approximately 55 minutes.
6. Serving Finale: Rest golumpki briefly to meld flavors, then optionally garnish with fresh dill for a vibrant touch.

Notes

• Leaf Preparation Technique: Remove cabbage leaves carefully by blanching to prevent tearing and ensure maximum flexibility for perfect rolling.
• Meat Mixture Mastery: Keep filling ingredients cold and mix gently to maintain light, tender texture without compressing proteins.
• Sauce Simmering Secret: Develop deep tomato sauce flavors by slow cooking, which enhances overall dish complexity and richness.
• Baking Precision: Pack rolls tightly to prevent unraveling and ensure even cooking, creating uniform golumpki with consistent taste and texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 345
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 523 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg