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.
Prepare the cabbage leaves. Boil the whole cabbage head for 10–15 min, separating the soft leaves carefully.
Cook the rice halfway. Boil rice for 10 min until half-cooked, then drain.
Make the filling. Mix minced meat, rice, finely chopped onion, grated carrot, salt, and pepper.
Form the rolls. Place filling on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly, tucking in the sides.
Prepare the sauce. Sauté garlic in oil, add tomato passata, sugar, salt, and bay leaf. Simmer 5–7 min.
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.
Serve. Garnish with fresh dill and serve hot with sour cream.