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Golubtsi

Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of seasoned ground beef and rice, baked in a rich tomato cream sauce.

95 minMediumServes 4450 cal/serving

RussianDinnerStovetop and OvenStandardHigh ProteinHigh FiberGluten-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 head green cabbage, cored
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup white rice, cooked
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 head cored green cabbage for 5 minutes until leaves soften, then separate leaves and trim thick center veins.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook 1 diced yellow onion and 1 grated carrot for 6 minutes until tender.

  3. 3

    Mix 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 cup cooked white rice, half of the cooked vegetable mixture, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a large bowl.

  4. 4

    Place filling in the center of each cabbage leaf and roll tightly, folding sides over filling.

  5. 5

    Stir 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 cups tomato sauce, 1 cup beef broth, and 1/2 cup sour cream into remaining vegetable mixture in skillet to form sauce.

  6. 6

    Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish, cover with sauce, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 50 minutes until meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

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Questions

What is Golubtsi?

Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of seasoned ground beef and rice, baked in a rich tomato cream sauce. This reference files it under Russian dinner: made on the stovetop and in the oven, rated medium and about 95 minutes start to finish.

How long does Golubtsi take?

As written, 95 minutes: 35 of prep and 60 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 6, at 50 minutes.

What internal temperature should Golubtsi reach?

For Golubtsi, the target internal temperature is 350 F (about 175 C), given in step 6. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork. The target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 6. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What can I use instead of sour cream in Golubtsi?

The entry for Golubtsi calls for 1/2 cup sour cream. In its place: Full-fat plain Greek yogurt, measure for measure. In hot sauces, add it off the heat.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Golubtsi?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Golubtsi uses 1 lb ground beef.

Can I make Golubtsi dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Golubtsi is 1/2 cup sour cream. Swap the sour cream for thick coconut yogurt with a squeeze of lemon. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

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