Gołąbki, pronounced “gaw-WOHMP-kee,” are a beloved staple of Polish cuisine. These stuffed cabbage rolls are a perfect example of hearty, comforting food that has been passed down through generations. The dish’s name literally means “little pigeons” in Polish, though the reason for this charming moniker is debated.
Making gołąbki is a labor of love, often reserved for special occasions or Sunday family dinners. The process of preparing the cabbage, mixing the filling, and carefully rolling each leaf is a meditative experience that connects you to Polish culinary traditions.
What makes gołąbki truly special is their versatility. While this recipe uses a classic meat and rice filling, you can easily adapt it to your preferences or dietary needs. The tomato sauce provides a tangy contrast to the savory filling, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Whether you’re exploring your Polish heritage or simply looking for a new comfort food to add to your repertoire, these gołąbki are sure to become a favorite. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s bring a taste of Poland to your kitchen!
Golabki Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 1/2 lb 225g ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried marjoram optional
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 cans 14.5 oz each diced tomatoes
- 1 can 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Core the cabbage and place it in the boiling water.
- As the outer leaves soften, carefully peel them off and set aside. Continue until you have about 18 leaves.
- Cut out the thick center rib from each leaf.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and marjoram (if using).
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Place about 1/3 cup of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf.
- Fold in the sides and roll up the leaf, enclosing the filling completely.
- Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring to combine.
- Step 5: Cook the Gołąbki
- Carefully place the cabbage rolls in the simmering sauce, seam-side down.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for about 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove bay leaves from the sauce.
- Serve the gołąbki hot, with additional sauce spooned over the top.
Tips and Information
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mixture of cooked lentils and mushrooms.
- You can bake the gołąbki in a covered casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour 30 minutes instead of simmering on the stovetop.
- Leftover gołąbki can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Making gołąbki is more than just cooking food. It’s a way to connect with Polish food traditions and create happy memories. Taking the time to carefully make each cabbage roll and enjoying the yummy smell as they cook is part of what makes this dish so special. It’s a labor of love that’s worth it when you see everyone around the table smile after taking a bite.
Whether you make gołąbki for a holiday or a regular weeknight dinner, this dish has a way of bringing people together. It’s the kind of meal that makes people want to stay at the table longer, share stories, and enjoy the simple joy of good food with loved ones.
So the next time you’re craving a taste of Poland or want a comforting meal to warm you up, try making gołąbki. With each bite, you’ll be taking part in a cooking tradition that has been around for a long time. You might even start a new tradition for your own family.
Gołąbki is a dish that connects generations and cultures through the love of food. The time and care put into making it creates a sense of togetherness and shared experience. Enjoying this hearty, flavorful meal with others is a simple pleasure that can create lasting memories. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and savor the taste and tradition of Polish gołąbki.