Holubtsi (Traditional Ukrainian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and minced meat, baked in tomato sauce.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the filling:

• 500 g ground pork, beef, or a mix

• 100 g rice, rinsed

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, grated (optional)

• 1 egg

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the cabbage rolls:

• 8–10 large cabbage leaves (blanched in boiling water until pliable)

For the sauce:

• 400 ml tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1–2 bay leaves

Preparation

1. Prepare the filling:

   • In a bowl, combine ground meat, rice, onion, carrot, egg, salt, and pepper.

2. Roll the cabbage:

   • Place a spoonful of filling on each cabbage leaf.

   • Fold sides in and roll tightly to enclose the filling.

3. Cook the holubtsi:

   • In a large pot or baking dish, layer cabbage rolls seam-side down.

   • Sauté onion in oil, add tomato sauce, sugar, bay leaves, salt, and pepper, then pour over the rolls.

   • Cover and simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes until cabbage and filling are tender.

4. Serve:

   • Serve hot, optionally with a dollop of sour cream.

Cooking Tips

• Blanch cabbage leaves just until pliable to avoid tearing while rolling.

• Simmer gently to ensure filling cooks evenly without the rolls falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill for authentic flavor.

• Pair with boiled potatoes or rye bread for a complete traditional Ukrainian meal.