Gołąbki – Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls 🇵🇱
Gołąbki (pronounced go-woomp-kee, singular: gołąbek) are Polish stuffed cabbage rolls, a beloved comfort food passed down through generations. These hearty rolls consist of soft cabbage leaves filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings, then gently simmered in a rich tomato sauce.
A staple of Polish home cooking, gołąbki are often served at family gatherings, holidays, and Sunday dinners. They are warm, filling, and full of flavor, making them the ultimate comfort dish for cold days. In Poland, they are especially popular at Christmas, weddings, and other festive occasions.
But what makes gołąbki truly special is their simplicity and versatility. Each family has its own variation, with different fillings, sauces, and cooking methods. Some add mushrooms or smoked meat, while others prefer a vegetarian version with buckwheat or barley.
The History of Gołąbki
Gołąbki are a traditional Polish dish with a history that goes back centuries. The name “gołąbki” means “little pigeons” in Polish, possibly referring to the shape of the rolls, which resemble small birds.
The dish is believed to have originated in Eastern Europe and has connections to Ukrainian, Russian, and Lithuanian cuisine. However, Poland has truly made gołąbki its own, and they remain one of the most famous Polish comfort foods.
Stuffed cabbage rolls are found in many countries around the world, including:
- Hungary (Töltött Káposzta)
- Ukraine (Holubtsi)
- Russia (Golubtsy)
- Sweden (Kåldolmar)
- Middle Eastern Dolma (stuffed grape leaves or cabbage leaves)
Despite regional differences, the essence remains the same: cabbage leaves wrapped around a delicious filling, cooked slowly for maximum flavor.
What Makes Polish Gołąbki Unique?
The Polish version of stuffed cabbage stands out for a few reasons:
✔️ Uses green cabbage, which becomes soft and slightly sweet when cooked.
✔️ Classic filling includes pork, beef, rice, onions, and seasonings.
✔️ Cooked in a tomato-based sauce, which adds richness and tanginess.
✔️ Slow-cooked for maximum tenderness, making the cabbage leaves melt in your mouth.
Poles often prepare large batches of gołąbki, as they taste even better the next day after the flavors have melded together. They also freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep.
Traditional Gołąbki Ingredients
To make authentic Polish gołąbki, you will need:
For the Cabbage Rolls:
🥬 1 large head of cabbage (green or savoy)
🥩 1 lb ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef)
🍚 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🥄 1 egg
🧂 Salt and black pepper to taste
🌿 1 tsp marjoram or thyme (optional)
For the Tomato Sauce:
🍅 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
🥣 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
🥄 1 tbsp tomato paste
🧂 Salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar
🧈 1 tbsp butter or oil (for richness)
How to Make Gołąbki – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves
1️⃣ Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2️⃣ Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage and carefully cut out the core.
3️⃣ Place the whole cabbage in boiling water for a few minutes, peeling off the leaves as they soften.
4️⃣ Continue until you have 12-14 large cabbage leaves. Set them aside.
5️⃣ Trim the thick central vein from each leaf to make them easier to roll.
Step 2: Make the Filling
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix the ground pork (or beef), cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Add marjoram or thyme for extra flavor.
3️⃣ Stir until well combined. The filling should be moist but not too wet.
Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
1️⃣ Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of filling in the center.
2️⃣ Fold the sides over the filling, then roll from the bottom up, like a burrito.
3️⃣ Repeat until all cabbage leaves are filled and rolled.
Step 4: Cook the Gołąbki
1️⃣ Heat butter or oil in a large pot. Sauté some onions (optional).
2️⃣ Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot.
3️⃣ Pour in the tomato sauce and broth.
4️⃣ Cover and simmer on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the cabbage is tender.
Serving Gołąbki – Polish Style
Polish stuffed cabbage rolls are best enjoyed hot and fresh, served with:
✔️ Mashed potatoes – for the ultimate comfort meal.
✔️ Sour cream – adds a tangy, creamy contrast.
✔️ Fresh dill or parsley – for a touch of freshness.
✔️ Rustic Polish bread – to soak up the sauce.
Some Polish families also serve gołąbki with a light cucumber salad or a side of pickles for added crunch.
Gołąbki Variations
There are many ways to customize gołąbki, depending on family traditions and personal preferences. Here are a few popular variations:
1. Vegetarian Gołąbki
Instead of meat, use:
🥦 Mushrooms
🌾 Buckwheat or barley
🌱 Lentils or chickpeas
2. Hungarian-Style Gołąbki
✔️ Season with paprika for extra warmth.
✔️ Use sour cream in the sauce for creaminess.
3. Sauerkraut Gołąbki
✔️ Add chopped sauerkraut to the filling for tanginess.
4. Oven-Baked Gołąbki
✔️ Instead of simmering, bake the cabbage rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 90 minutes.