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golubci (stuffed cabbage rolls)

Ukrainian Golubci (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

There’s nothing quite like a warm plate of Golubci to bring back memories of home-cooked Ukrainian meals. These tender cabbage rolls are filled with a savory mix of ground meat, rice, and spices, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce until melt-in-your-mouth perfect.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Eastern Europe, Health & Wellness, Kid-Friendly, Ukrainian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 cooking pot

Ingredients
  

For the cabbage rolls:

  • 1 large head of green cabbage
  • 1 lb ground beef (or beef/pork mix) (500 g)
  • ½ cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1 Tbsp avocado oil (for sautéing)

For the tomato sauce:

  • 1 ½ cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

To serve:

  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Sour cream 

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
    Remove the core from the cabbage.
    Boil a large pot of water and carefully place the whole cabbage inside.
    As the cabbage softens, peel off the outer leaves one at a time with tongs.
    Set aside 12–15 large leaves. Trim the thick vein at the base of each leaf to make rolling easier.
  • Step 2: Make the Filling
    In a small pot, parboil the rice for 3–4 minutes, then drain and set aside to cool slightly. It should still be firm, not fully cooked.
    In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and garlic, and grated carrot until soft and golden.
    In a large bowl, mix:
    Ground meat
    Sautéed veggies
    Parboiled rice
    Salt, pepper, paprika
    Combine everything well with your hands or a spoon.
  • Step 3: Roll the Golubci
    Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface.
    Add 1–2 tablespoons of filling near the base.
    Fold the sides inward and roll tightly like a burrito.
    Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
  • Step 4: Assemble in Pot
    Line the bottom of a deep pot with extra or torn cabbage leaves (to prevent burning).
    Layer the cabbage rolls seam-side down, packing them snugly.
  • Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
    In a bowl, whisk together:
    Tomato sauce
    Tomato paste
    Broth
    Sugar, salt, pepper
    Pour the sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls.
    Add a bay leaf on top.
  • Step 6: Cook
    Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
    Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 40-50 minutes, until tender.
  • Step 7: Serve
    Serve warm, topped with fresh herbs and a generous dollop of sour cream.
    Best enjoyed with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Serving: 310gCalories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 25gFat: 17gFiber: 4gSugar: 5g
Keyword cabbage, dairy-free, gluten-free, guilt-free, healthy, meat, rice
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