Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce (Holubtsi): A Traditional Ukrainian Recipe

Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce, also known as Holubtsi, is a classic dish with roots in Ukrainian cuisine. This hearty meal features cabbage leaves filled with a savoury mixture of beef, rice, and spices. The rolls are then baked in a rich tomato sauce, making it a comforting and flavourful dish. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe is both satisfying and nutritious.

• 12 cabbage leaves
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• ½ cup milk
• 1 lb (about 500 g) ground beef
• ¾ cup cooked rice
• 1 egg

• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• ½ cup water
• 2 Tbsp vinegar
• 3 Tbsp sugar
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with ½ cup cold water

Equipment Needed

• Pot for boiling water
• Baking dish
• Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
• Toothpicks for securing rolls

Procedure

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the cabbage leaves in a pot of boiling water. Cover and let them sit for three minutes before draining.
3. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, milk, egg, rice, onion, pepper, and salt. Divide this mixture into twelve portions.
4. Place one portion of the meat mixture on each cabbage leaf.
5. Roll each leaf around the filling and secure it with a toothpick.
6. Arrange the rolls in a baking dish.
7. In another bowl, combine the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, sugar, water, and vinegar. Pour this sauce over the cabbage rolls.
8. Cover the baking dish and bake for 40 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
9. Remove the cabbage rolls from the pan and take out the toothpicks. Place them on a serving dish.
10. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce left in the pan. Stir well and warm if needed to thicken the sauce.
11. Pour the thickened sauce over the cabbage rolls on the serving dish.
12. You can garnish as desired before serving.

Nutritional Values