🇷🇺 Russia · Food
Golubtsi
By eatmundo · September 8, 2026
🇷🇺 RUAI-generated imageHearty cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory mixture of meat and rice. These are simmered in a creamy, tangy tomato sauce that makes them melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Blanch a whole 800g cabbage in boiling water for 5 minutes, then carefully peel off 12 soft, pliable leaves.
- 2
Mix 500g of minced beef with 100g of pre-cooked rice and 75g of finely diced onions.
- 3
Season the meat mixture with 6g of salt and 2g of black pepper, mixing well by hand.
- 4
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll into a tight cigar shape.
- 5
Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
- 6
Whisk together 50g of tomato paste, 150g of sour cream, 300ml water, 6g of salt, and 1g of black pepper for the sauce.
- 7
Pour the sauce over the cabbage rolls, bring to a gentle boil, and simmer covered for 45 minutes.
- 8
Let them rest for 10 minutes in the sauce before serving so the flavors settle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Golubtsi?+
Golubtsi are traditional Russian cabbage rolls consisting of tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a seasoned mixture of minced meat and rice. They are typically braised in a creamy, acidic tomato-based sauce.
Which type of cabbage is best?+
A standard green cabbage head with thin, soft leaves is best; avoid very hard or winter-harvested heads as they are too tough to roll.
Can I bake them instead?+
Yes, you can place the rolls in a baking dish, cover with the sauce, and bake at 180°C for 60 minutes for a lovely caramelized finish.
Why do we blanch the leaves?+
Blanching softens the thick veins of the cabbage, making the leaves pliable enough to roll without tearing.
What side dish goes well with this?+
A side of mashed potatoes or simply crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce is the classic pairing.
🇷🇺 RUAI-generated imageMundo Match
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