How to Make Delicious Russian Cabbage Rolls - Голубцы

ground meat

🥗Healthier: lean turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Lean turkey reduces fat content while ground chicken is often more affordable.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt provides similar creaminess with fewer calories.

tomato sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade tomato puree

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Homemade puree is fresher, while canned tomatoes are cost-effective.

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Quinoa offers more protein, while bulgur is often less expensive.

Wrap cabbage in plastic wrap and microwave for 7-8 minutes until outer leaves soften.

Cook 1/2 cup rice with 1 cup water over medium-high heat until slightly underdone.

Grate 2 large carrots and dice 1 large onion, then combine in a bowl.

Mince 3 cloves of garlic and add to the bowl with carrots and onion.

Sauté the carrot, onion, and garlic mixture in a couple tablespoons of oil for 7-8 minutes until tender and golden brown.

Peel off softened cabbage leaves and cut out the hard core from each leaf.

Combine cooked rice, sautéed vegetable mixture, 1 lb ground pork, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1.5 tsp seasoned salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, and 1/4 tsp dried basil in a bowl and mix well with hands.

Place about 1.5 tablespoons of filling on a cabbage leaf, shape into a cone, and roll tightly.

Heat a large pan with oil and lightly sear the outside of the cabbage rolls.

Prepare the creamy tomato onion sauce by sautéing 1/2 diced onion in 1 tbsp oil until soft, then add 1/4 cup tomato paste, 1/4 cup cream, 2 tbsp fresh chopped dill, and 1 cup water; whisk until creamy.

Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls in a glass baking dish.

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving with a spoonful of sour cream and fresh chopped dill.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: