Real Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls
Experience the comforting flavors of Eastern Europe with these Real Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls, a hearty dish that combines tender cabbage leaves with a savory filling of ground pork, ground beef, and perfectly seasoned rice. Gently baked in a rich tomato sauce enhanced with a hint of broth and aromatic bay leaf, these cabbage rolls are the ultimate in wholesome, homemade comfort food. The recipe's traditional cooking technique—softening the cabbage leaves for easy rolling—and its filling, packed with garlic, onion, and paprika, create a dish that’s both authentic and incredibly satisfying. Serve these rolls hot, garnished with fresh parsley, for a cozy family dinner or a special celebration. With a perfect balance of savory flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to explore classic Ukrainian cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 head Large green cabbage
- 1 pound Ground pork
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 cup Cooked white rice
- 1 Small onion, finely chopped
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 2 cups Tomato sauce
- 1 cup Chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 Bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully cut the core out of the cabbage head and place the whole head in the pot. Boil for 8-10 minutes, or until the outer leaves are soft and pliable. Remove cabbage from the pot and let it cool. Loosen and separate the leaves gently, one by one, and set them aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until the filling is well combined.
Trim the thick veins at the base of each cabbage leaf if necessary to make them more flexible for rolling.
Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf, near the base. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up from the base to the top to create a neat bundle. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a large oven-safe baking dish or Dutch oven. Arrange the cabbage rolls, seam-side down, in a single layer in the dish.
In a bowl, combine the remaining tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, and the bay leaf. Pour this mixture over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are mostly covered. Add a bit more broth if needed.
Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked. Check occasionally to ensure the rolls are not drying out; add more broth if needed.
Remove the bay leaf. Garnish the cabbage rolls with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
519 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.3 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.0 g | 60% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 136 mg | 45% | |
| Sodium | 1073 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.1 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.9 g | ||
| Protein | 32.3 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 145 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1044 mg | 22% | |
*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.
