Golubtsi

Ukrainian cabbage rolls

Golubtsi

Cabbage rolls are found across the globe with many variation and many names (sarma, dolma, golabki…). In Eastern Europe, Cabbage is an essential part of their cuisine hence cabbage rolls are very popular. Several variations exist in Europe but the main differences are within the sauce. In Poland they enjoy a very savoury tomato sauce while in Ukraine they prefer a more sweet and sour tomato based sauce. This recipe is made in the traditional Ukrainian fashion and is delicious accompanied with mashed potatoes and mushrooms.

⏰Prep Time: 35min ⏲️Cooktime: 1h20min 🍽️Servings:4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 medium size cabbage
• 350g ground beef
• 2/3cup rice
• 1 carrot
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 bunch of fresh dill
• 1/2 tbs paprika
• 2 tsp vegeta (or vegetable bouillon)
• 1 cup pasata (tomato sauce)
• 2 tbs vinegar
• 2 tbs sugar
• 3 tsp dried dill
• 1tbs olive oil
• salt
• pepper

Directions:

1. In a large pot, place cored whole cabbage with 1tbs of salt and cover with water, bring to a boil and detach leaves progressively. (make sure the cabbage leaves are soft enough to fold without cracking)
2. Grate the carrot and onion, crush the garlic, chop the dill and ash the rice. then combine all these ingredients with the ground beef, paprika, salt, pepper and 1 tsp of vegeta. Mix well and reserve.
3. Once all the cabbage leaves are soft, drain from the water and set aside to cool.
4. Once the cabbage leaves are cooled, remove the hard stem of the leaf to keep only the pliable part.
5. Take a cabbage leaf, flatten it out, place 2 tbs of filling in a log shape at the base of the leaf, fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then the sides then roll as tight as possible to form the cabbage rolls. Repeat with all the leaves.
6. In a large pot, place the cabbage rolls seam side down packed tightly.
7. Make the sauce by combining , vinegar, sugar, tomato sauce, 4 cups of water, dried dill, the other teaspoon of vegeta and mix. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls, put a plate over the rolls and heat the pot on medium heat, once it comes to a very gentle boil, reduce to low heat and cook for 40 minutes to an hour or until the rice is well cooked)
9. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes some grilled mushrooms and a nice dollop of sour cream.