Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls (Holubtsi)
Indulge in authentic Ukrainian comfort food with these tender, blanched cabbage rolls. Filled with a savory, moisture-rich blend of ground beef and ground turkey, mixed with fluffy long-grain rice, and slow-simmered in a robust, aromatic tomato-dill sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a balanced, deep-flavored experience that celebrates Eastern European culinary traditions while strictly adhering to halal-friendly ingredient selections.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 75
- Total Time: 105
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Ukrainian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
1 large green cabbage (approx. 3.5 lbs)
1 lb ground beef (80/20 ratio)
1 lb ground turkey or lamb
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups tomato sauce
1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp paprika
1.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and core the cabbage.
Blanch 12 outer cabbage leaves for 3 minutes until pliable.
Rinse the rice and boil in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes, then drain and cool.
Sauté the onion and garlic in vegetable oil until translucent.
In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, ground turkey, cooked rice, sautéed aromatics, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place a scoop of filling onto each cabbage leaf, fold in the sides, and roll tightly.
Arrange rolls in a baking dish and pour the tomato sauce mixed with dill over the top.
Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 75 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked.
Notes
Choose a head of cabbage with loose leaves for easier separation. Ensure the rice is only partially cooked so it finishes perfectly in the sauce without becoming mushy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://elitesrecipes.com/ukrainian-cabbage-rolls-recipe/