Holubtsi Recipe

Holubtsi, also known as stuffed cabbage rolls, is a classic Ukrainian dish that features tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling made of rice, lentils, mushrooms, and vegetables. The rolls are then baked in a tangy tomato sauce, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Cabbage Rolls

1 large head of green cabbage
1 cup uncooked rice (preferably short-grain or medium-grain)
      For a higher protein content, use Quinoa instead of Rice.
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, grated
1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (your favorite mushroom)
1 can (15 oz) lentils, drained and rinsed (or 1 1/2 cups cooked lentils)
      Alternatively, you can use chickpeas instead if you do not prefer Lentils.
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried dill
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Tomato Sauce

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head.

Place the whole cabbage in the boiling water for about 5-7 minutes. Carefully peel away the outer leaves as they soften. Continue until you have 12-15 large cabbage leaves. Reserve the remaining cabbage for later use.

Filling

Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic, grated carrot, and chopped mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

Stir in the lentils, cooked rice, dried dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Tomato Sauce

In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board. Place 2-3 tablespoons of the filling in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and then roll up from the bottom to enclose the filling completely.

Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Bake the Holubtsi

Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.

Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls seam side down in the dish, packing them closely together.

Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well-covered.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.

Serve

Remove the foil and let the cabbage rolls sit for a few minutes before serving.

Serve the holubtsi hot, garnished with additional fresh dill or parsley if desired.