Gołąbki
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Dinner Party · Polish

Gołąbki

Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of minced pork, rice, and aromatics. Simmer them slowly in tomato sauce until they are soft and flavorful.

40 min active
45 min total
4 servings
8 ingredients
home cook

Why This Works

The long braise allows the cabbage sweetness to infuse into the meat and rice filling.

The Upgrade

Stir a dollop of sour cream into the tomato sauce just before serving.

Chef's Secret

Michelin Technique

Don't overstuff the rolls; the rice expands slightly during the cooking process, and tightly packed rolls will burst.

Ingredients

Servings:

Total time including resting: 45 min

Directions

1

Blanch cabbage leaves in boiling water until pliable but firm.

5 min
2

Mix ground pork, cooked rice, minced onion, and garlic with salt and pepper.

5 min
3

Spoon filling into the center of each leaf and roll tightly, tucking the sides in.

10 min
4

Arrange rolls in a baking dish and pour over the tomato and beef stock mixture.

2 min
5

Cover and braise in the oven at 350°F until the cabbage is tender and meat is cooked.

20 min
6

Uncover for the last 5 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce.

3 min
7

Serve hot, drizzled with the tomato reduction.

Wine Pairing

🍷

Barbera

Red Wine

The BottleGiacomo Conterno Barbera d'Alba

The high acidity of Barbera is the ideal match for tomato-based braises. It cuts right through the savory pork fat, highlighting the sweetness of the cabbage.

Nutrition per Serving

420

calories

28g

protein

35g

carbs

18g

fat

Make It a Complete Meal

Sides the kitchen recommends alongside this dish.

Side Dish

Mashed Potatoes

Classic buttery mashed potatoes are the perfect mild, creamy base for the savory cabbage rolls.

25 min
4 servings

Ingredients

Directions

1

Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water by one inch, add one tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil.

2

Reduce heat and simmer for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender.

3

Drain thoroughly and return potatoes to the pot over low heat for 60 seconds to evaporate excess moisture.

4

Pass potatoes through a ricer or food mill directly into a warmed bowl.

5

Gently fold in butter and warm milk using a spatula until smooth and emulsified.

6

Season with remaining salt and serve immediately.

Side Dish

Dill Pickled Cucumbers

Serve cold dill pickles to provide a sharp, vinegary snap that cleanses the palate between bites of rich pork.

20 min
4 servings

Ingredients

Directions

1

Combine vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat; stir until fully dissolved, then remove from heat.

2

Pack cucumber slices, garlic, and dill into a sterilized glass jar.

3

Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers until completely submerged.

4

Add mustard seeds to the jar and seal tightly.

5

Allow the jar to cool to room temperature on the counter.

6

Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving alongside the Gołąbki.

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