Introduction:
Gołąbki (pronounced goh-WOHMB-kee) are traditional Polish cabbage rolls filled with a savory mixture of ground meat and rice, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, and then baked to perfection. This hearty dish is often served during family gatherings and holidays. In this recipe, we pair the gołąbki with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, which adds an earthy depth and luxurious texture to the dish. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a comforting meal, gołąbki with mushroom sauce is a beloved Polish classic that never disappoints.
Ingredients and Quantities:
For the Gołąbki:
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (or substitute with more beef)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying the onions)
For the Mushroom Sauce:
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini work well)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tips for Success:
- Parboil the cabbage just enough to soften the leaves without making them too delicate to handle. This helps them fold easily around the filling.
- For a lighter sauce, you can substitute sour cream with heavy cream or Greek yogurt.
- To make sure the gołąbki are fully cooked, bake them covered in the oven to allow them to steam in their own juices.
How to Make and Instructions:
1. Prepare the cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully place the whole head into the boiling water. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, then carefully peel off the outer leaves as they soften. Set the leaves aside to cool.
2. Make the filling:
- In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and marjoram. Mix everything until well combined.
3. Assemble the gołąbki:
- Lay one cabbage leaf flat and place about 2 tablespoons of the meat filling in the center. Fold the sides of the cabbage leaf over the filling and then roll from the bottom to form a tight cylinder. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
- Place the gołąbki seam-side down in a baking dish.
4. Cook the gołąbki:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Add a small amount of water or broth to the bottom of the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the gołąbki are tender.
5. Make the mushroom sauce:
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and become golden brown, about 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the flour is fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
- Remove the gołąbki from the oven and carefully transfer them to serving plates. Spoon the mushroom sauce generously over the cabbage rolls.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Description:
Gołąbki with mushroom sauce is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender cabbage rolls filled with a savory blend of ground meat and rice. The rich mushroom sauce adds a creamy, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the light sweetness of the cabbage and the savory filling. Each bite is a perfect balance of soft, slightly sweet cabbage, well-seasoned meat, and the umami depth of mushrooms.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
Conclusion and Recommendation:
Gołąbki with mushroom sauce is a delicious, soul-warming dish that brings a taste of traditional Polish cuisine to your table. The combination of tender cabbage, savory filling, and rich sauce makes this a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner or holiday gathering. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete meal that’s sure to become a favorite!