How to make Holubtsi for Gluten-Free, Low Calorie, Lactose-Free?

Name: Holubtsi
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb ground pork; 1 cup uncooked white rice; 1 large head of cabbage; 2 onions, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can of tomato sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried dill; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 cups water

Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: Cooked to Tender Perfection with Minimal Effort

Use the slow cooker to gently cook your stuffed cabbage rolls. This method ensures that the cabbage softens and the filling becomes tender, while the flavors from the tomato sauce and seasonings have time to meld together. Simply add the rolls and sauce, and let them cook for hours until they are perfectly tender.

Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: Make Them Fast, Tender, and Full of Flavor

Use the Instant Pot’s "pressure cook" function to make stuffed cabbage rolls in a fraction of the time. The pressure cooking ensures the cabbage and filling cook thoroughly, while the "saute" function allows you to brown your meat and onions before wrapping them in the cabbage, adding extra flavor.

Induction Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: Achieve Perfect Tenderness with Precise Temperature Control

Use the induction cooker to maintain precise control over the cooking temperature when simmering the cabbage rolls in your sauce. This ensures an even cook, preventing overcooking or burning, and giving you perfectly tender rolls every time.

Tips and Suggestions on Holubtsi

Preparing the cabbage leaves

One of the main challenges when making Holubtsi is preparing the cabbage leaves for filling. To make the leaves more pliable, blanch them in boiling water for a few seconds, then immerse them in cold water. This will help the leaves separate easily and make them more manageable for stuffing.

Filling and rolling

Filling and rolling the cabbage leaves can be a bit of a challenge, particularly if the leaves tear or don't wrap tightly. When filling the leaves, avoid overfilling them as this will make it difficult to roll them tightly. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the rolls and ensure they hold together while cooking.

Cooking the rolls

Cooking the Holubtsi properly is essential for their flavor and texture. Be sure to cook the Holubtsi on low heat, allowing them to simmer gently until they are fully cooked and tender. Avoid overcooking the rolls as this can cause them to become mushy.

Serving

Holubtsi are traditionally served with a sauce, such as tomato sauce, sour cream, or dill sauce. Choosing the right sauce to complement the flavors of the Holubtsi can be challenging, but the traditional tomato sauce is a great starting point. Be sure to serve the Holubtsi hot, garnished with fresh herbs or vegetables for extra flavor and texture.

Leftovers

Holubtsi can be reheated in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. Be sure to reheat them gently to prevent overheating or overcooking. Holubtsi can also be frozen for later use, which is great if you have leftovers or want to make a batch in advance.

Classic Holubtsi Recipe

                        Ingredients
                        1 lb ground beef
lb ground pork
cup uncooked white rice
large head of cabbage
onions, finely chopped
garlic cloves, minced
can of tomato sauce
tbsp tomato paste
tbsp olive oil
tsp paprika
tsp dried dill
tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
cups water

                    

                        Instructions
                        Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully
                                remove the wilted outer leaves. Place the cabbage in the water and let cook until the
                                leaves are soft and pliable, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef, pork, onion, garlic, uncooked rice, salt,
                                black pepper, paprika, and dried dill. Mix together well.
Carefully remove the cabbage leaves from the head and lay them flat on a cutting board.
                                Divide the meat mixture into 20 portions and place a portion in the center of each leaf.
                                Roll the leaf around the meat, tucking in the sides as you go.
Place the rolls in a large casserole dish. In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the
                                tomato sauce, tomato paste, olive oil, and water. Pour the mixture over the rolls in the
                                casserole dish.
Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 hours.
                            
Remove from the oven and let the Holubtsi sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
                            

                    

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 30 min

Cook Time 90 min

Total time 120 min

                        Nutrition Facts
                        Calories: 350
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 8 g
Protein: 25 g

                    

Variations for Holubtsi, Cabbage Rolls

Beef Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This version is made with tender cabbage leaves stuffed with flavorful rice and meat, drizzled with a creamy egg and lemon sauce.

Greek Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe With Egg & Lemon Sauce (Lahanodolmades Avgolemono)

Pork Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This version is made with flavorful pork, fresh herbs, and crisp cabbage leaves, creating a delicious and aromatic Vietnamese-inspired dish.

Vietnamese-Inspired Cabbage Rolls

Shrimp Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This version is made with succulent shrimp, fragrant spices, and tender cabbage leaves, offering a unique twist on traditional stuffed rolls.

Cabbage rolls with shrimp

Mince Meat Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This version is made with savory minced meat, rice, and spices, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves for a comforting meal.

Croatian Sarma Recipe (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Sauerkraut Cabbage Rolls

This version is made with tangy sauerkraut, tender cabbage leaves, and a savory filling, delivering a deliciously unique twist on tradition.

Sauerkraut Cabbage Rolls (Slow Cooker)

Fish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This version is made with flaky fish, aromatic herbs, and rice, all wrapped in cabbage for a light, flavorful twist.

Potato and Smoked Fish Cabbage Rolls

Seafood Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This version is made with a savory blend of shrimp, crab, and aromatic spices, wrapped in tender cabbage for a seafood delight.

Stuffed Seafood Cabbage Rolls

Crab Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This version is made with fresh crab meat, herbs, and spices, all enveloped in soft cabbage for a deliciously elegant dish.

Snow Crab Cabbage Rolls

Traditional Holubtsi Recipe