Gołąbki (Polish Cabbage Rolls)

Budget-friendly meal for your whole family.

If you're looking for a warm, budget-friendly meal that can feed the whole family, gołąbki (Polish cabbage rolls) are a great choice. This classic dish is not only tasty and comforting, but also easy on the wallet — with simple ingredients, you can serve 3–4 people without spending much. Traditionally served with boiled or mashed potatoes, gołąbki make a filling and satisfying dinner for any day of the week.

Ingredients:

• 1 glass of rice (about 200g)

• 400g minced meat (pork, beef, or a mix)

• 1 medium head of cabbage

• 1 medium onion

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Butter (for frying)

  
  

For the Sauce:

• Tomato purée or blended tomatoes (about 500ml)

• 100ml 15% cream

• 1 tbsp flour

• Water (to mix with flour)

  
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare Rice:

   Cook the rice al dente, then let it cool.

   

2. Prepare Cabbage:

   Boil the whole cabbage for a few minutes until the outer leaves soften and peel off easily. Set aside to cool.

   
   

3. Prepare Filling:

   Finely chop the onion and fry it in butter until golden. Season with salt and pepper.

   In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, minced meat, and fried onion.

   

   

4. Assemble Gołąbki:

   Take a cabbage leaf, trim the thick stem if needed. Place a spoonful of filling in the center. Fold the bottom, then the sides in, and roll tightly.

   

   
   
   

5. Cook the Rolls:

   Place the rolls seam-side down in a pot. Layer them tightly. Add a chicken broth to cover the bottom and simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes.

   
   
   

6. Make the Sauce:

   In a saucepan, heat the tomato purée and cream. In a cup, mix flour with water until smooth, then stir it into the sauce to thicken. Season to taste.

   

   

   
   
   

7. Serve:

   Pour the sauce over the gołąbki before serving, or simmer the rolls in the sauce for extra flavor.