Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi)
Description
Holubtsi, or stuffed cabbage rolls, are a classic Ukrainian dish made of cabbage leaves filled with rice, vegetables, and often meat, then simmered in tomato sauce. They are a beloved comfort food, commonly served for family gatherings and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the cabbage leaves. Boil the whole cabbage head for 10–15 min, separating the soft leaves carefully.
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Cook the rice halfway. Boil rice for 10 min until half-cooked, then drain.
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Make the filling. Mix minced meat, rice, finely chopped onion, grated carrot, salt, and pepper.
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Form the rolls. Place filling on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly, tucking in the sides.
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Prepare the sauce. Sauté garlic in oil, add tomato passata, sugar, salt, and bay leaf. Simmer 5–7 min.
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Cook the holubtsi. Place rolls in a pot, pour sauce over them, add water to cover halfway, and simmer on low for 1–1.5 hours.
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Serve. Garnish with fresh dill and serve hot with sour cream.
