Description
Polish cabbage rolls reveal hearty comfort from Eastern European kitchens, nestling savory ground meat and rice within tender cabbage leaves. Rich tomato sauce bathes these delectable parcels, inviting you to savor generations of culinary tradition on your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 cup uncooked rice
Vegetables and Fruits:
- 2 grated onions
- 1 quince (peeled and sliced)
Seasonings and Sauce:
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Coriander (to taste)
- Tomato sauce (enough to cover the rolls)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring water to a vigorous boil. Submerge the whole cabbage head and cook for 10-15 minutes, rotating periodically until leaves become pliable and easily detachable. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Combine ground meat, finely chopped onions, uncooked rice, salt, ground black pepper, and crushed coriander in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly blend ingredients until uniformly mixed.
- Gently separate each cabbage leaf, carefully trimming the thick central stem to facilitate easier rolling.
- Allocate approximately 2-of meat mixture onto the center of each leaf. Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly from bottom to top, creating compact cylindrical parcels.
- Prepare a spacious cooking pot by placing a heat-resistant plate or heavy ceramic dish at the bottom to prevent rolls from sticking or breaking during cooking.
- Arrange rolled cabbage parcels snugly in the pot, positioning quince slices strategically between layers. Pour tomato sauce generously, ensuring complete coverage of the rolls.
- Secure the pot lid and bring contents to a medium simmer. Reduce heat and allow gentle cooking for 1.5-2 hours, periodically checking liquid levels and tenderness.
- Verify doneness by piercing cabbage rolls – leaves should feel tender and filling completely cooked. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional warm tomato sauce and optional fresh herbs.
Notes
- Cabbage leaves are the secret weapon for creating tender, flavorful rolls that melt in your mouth.
- Trimming thick stems ensures easier rolling and prevents tough, chewy bites.
- Mixing meat with rice and spices creates a harmonious filling that bursts with traditional flavors.
- Layering rolls with quince adds a subtle sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
- Gentle simmering transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, hearty meal that tells a story of home cooking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling, Simmering
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg