Description
Delicious and hearty Russian chicken and cabbage rolls, also known as Golubtsi, filled with a flavorful mixture of ground chicken, rice, and vegetables, then baked in a savory tomato and vegetable sauce. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cabbage Rolls:
- 2 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup cooked white rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large head cabbage
For the sauce:
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Additional:
- Water for boiling cabbage
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, cooked rice, salt, pepper, and 2 tsp tomato paste. Mix thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly integrated.
- Boil the cabbage: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Carve out the core of the cabbage head and carefully submerge it in boiling water. Boil for 1 hour until the leaves are soft.
- Separate leaves: Remove the softened cabbage and carefully peel off individual leaves. Trim the tough stem parts and cut large leaves in half if necessary.
- Assemble the rolls: Place about 1 tablespoon of the meat mixture onto each leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly like an egg roll. Stack the rolls in a Dutch oven or large pot. If extra meat mixture remains, form into meatballs and add to the pot.
- Prepare the sauce: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions for 2 minutes, then add grated carrots and cook for another 2 minutes. Add chopped red bell pepper and 2 tbsp tomato paste, sautéing for 3-4 more minutes.
- Cook everything together: Pour the sautéed vegetables over the cabbage rolls. Add boiling water just enough to cover the rolls. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour until cooked through. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- If cabbage leaves are not enough for all meat, make meatballs and add to the pot.
- You can substitute pork, lamb, or beef for chicken in the filling.
- This dish can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 312 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 163 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 54 mg
