European Cabbage Rolls Holishkes
Discover the timeless charm of European Cabbage Rolls, also known as Holishkes—comfort food at its finest. This traditional recipe combines tender green cabbage leaves filled with a savory blend of ground beef, ground pork, and aromatic spices, along with cooked rice for the perfect texture. Each roll is lovingly nestled in a rich, tangy tomato sauce enhanced with a touch of brown sugar and lemon juice, creating a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. Blanched cabbage leaves make wrapping easy, while a slow bake in the oven ensures the rolls are melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whether served as a hearty main course or part of a festive holiday spread, these cabbage rolls are a delightful centerpiece. Pair with sour cream or crusty bread for an authentic, satisfying experience. Ideal for meal prep, this recipe is a delicious ode to old-world cooking traditions.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head Green cabbage
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 0.5 pound Ground pork
- 1 cup Cooked white rice
- 1 medium, diced Yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 large Egg
- 28 ounces (1 can) Crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces (1 can) Tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 cup Water
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and cut out the core. Carefully lower the whole cabbage into the boiling water and blanch for 3-5 minutes. Remove the cabbage and peel off the softened outer leaves. Repeat until you have 12-14 large, pliable leaves. Set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, diced onion, minced garlic, paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and the egg. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Prepare the tomato sauce by mixing the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, water, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes and set aside.
Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean work surface, vein side down. Place approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture near the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides of the cabbage leaf and roll it up tightly, like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining filling and cabbage leaves.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Heat vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pan, working in batches if necessary, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side to lightly brown them.
Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are fully covered. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil.
Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 75-90 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
Allow the holishkes to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or crusty bread, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4521 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 260.4 g | 334% | |
| Saturated Fat | 67.7 g | 338% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 18.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 745 mg | 248% | |
| Sodium | 12076 mg | 525% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 328.9 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 70.7 g | 252% | |
| Total Sugars | 177.5 g | ||
| Protein | 206.8 g | 414% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 973 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 28.6 mg | 159% | |
| Potassium | 3768 mg | 80% | |
*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.
