I remember my first experience with Polish Cabbage Rolls. The warm aroma filled my home as my grandmother carefully rolled each cabbage leaf. This dish always brings me comfort, as it reminds me of family gatherings and shared meals. It’s special because it combines simple ingredients to create something truly delicious and nourishing. Every bite takes me back to those cozy evenings spent together. This recipe is not just about food; it’s about love, tradition, and the joy of cooking for the ones you cherish.
why make this recipe
Polish Cabbage Rolls are a delightful mix of flavors and textures. They are satisfying and filling, making them a perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. The combination of ground beef and rice wrapped in tender cabbage leaves is not only comforting but also a great way to enjoy vegetables. Plus, with a savory tomato sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Making them from scratch allows you to taste the love and care that goes into every roll.
how to make Polish Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) tomato soup
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully blanch the cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- In a bowl, mix together ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Take a cabbage leaf, place a spoonful of the meat mixture at the base, roll tightly, and tuck in the sides.
- Place the rolls seam side down in a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix tomato soup, tomato sauce, and brown sugar. Pour over the cabbage rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
how to serve Polish Cabbage Rolls
Polish Cabbage Rolls can be served as a main dish or paired with sides. They go well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess and flavor. These rolls make a lovely presentation, so serve them directly from the baking dish for a family-style meal.
how to store Polish Cabbage Rolls
Leftover Cabbage Rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them up in the oven or microwave.
tips to make Polish Cabbage Rolls
- Be careful not to overcook the cabbage leaves when blanching. They should be pliable but not mushy.
- You can adjust the filling by adding spices or herbs you like, such as thyme or paprika, for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have ground beef, try using ground turkey or a mix of meats.
variation
You can experiment with the filling by adding vegetables like chopped carrots or zucchini into the meat mixture. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or a mix of beans and vegetables.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular cabbage instead of savoy cabbage?
Yes, you can use any type of cabbage, but savoy cabbage is softer and easier to roll.
2. Can I make these rolls in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
3. How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?
They should be bubbly and heated through. You can check by poking one with a fork; if it is hot in the center, they are done.
Polish Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large head cabbage Any type of cabbage can be used.
- 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or a mix of meats.
- 1 cup cooked rice Use leftover rice or cook fresh.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) tomato soup
- 1 medium onion, chopped Sauté until translucent.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and carefully blanch the cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- In a bowl, mix together ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Take a cabbage leaf, place a spoonful of the meat mixture at the base, roll tightly, and tuck in the sides.
- Place the rolls seam side down in a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix tomato soup, tomato sauce, and brown sugar. Pour over the cabbage rolls.
Baking
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Serving
- Serve warm and enjoy! Can be served as a main dish or paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad.