Introduction
Gołąbki, or Polish stuffed cabbage, is a traditional dish from Polish cuisine. It consists of blanched cabbage leaves wrapping a stuffing of minced meat, rice, and onions, slowly cooked in a tomato sauce. The name “Gołąbki” literally means “little pigeons” in Polish, likely due to their rounded shape and small size. This dish is usually served on special occasions and holidays in Poland.
Ingredients
- 1 large green cabbage
- 500g minced meat (beef or pork)
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 chopped garlic cloves
- 1 egg
- 2 cans of diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Preparation
- Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions.
- Meanwhile, blanch the cabbage in a large pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes, until the leaves are tender and easy to roll.
- In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in the oil until they are soft and translucent. Add the minced meat and cook until it is no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once the rice is cooked, mix it with the meat, onion, and garlic. Add the egg and mix well.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C. Fill each cabbage leaf with the meat and rice filling, then roll it up by folding in the sides to securely enclose the filling.
- Place the stuffed cabbages in a baking dish. Cover them with diced tomatoes, then bake for about 1 hour, until the cabbages are cooked through and the tomato sauce is bubbling.
How to enjoy Gołąbki
Gołąbki are traditionally served hot, drizzled with the tomato sauce in which they cooked. They are often accompanied by rye bread or potatoes. For an authentic touch, you can also serve them with sour cream or koperek, a type of Polish dill.
Conclusion
Gołąbki are a comforting and tasty dish that will transport you to Poland without leaving your kitchen. Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipe to your taste by adding other spices or ingredients to the filling.
