Ukrainian Holubtsi with Meat and Rice Filling
Cabbage leaves wrapped around meat and rice, simmered with tomato and served with sour cream.
These Ukrainian cabbage rolls wrap rice and seasoned meat in softened leaves, then simmer in tomato broth. Trim thick leaf ribs so the rolls fold easily and cook them gently until the cabbage and filling are tender. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Lower cabbage in and remove leaves as they soften. Trim thick ribs. Simmer rice in water 8 minutes until partly tender; drain and cool. Heat oil and cook one onion with carrot until soft. Cool, then mix with ground meat, rice, salt and pepper. Place about 2 tablespoons filling on each leaf, fold sides inward and roll snugly. Arrange rolls seam-side down in a pot. Mix tomato paste, tomato sauce and 500 ml water; pour over rolls. Cover and simmer gently 45 to 55 minutes until meat reaches 71°C (160°F) and cabbage is tender. Serve with sour cream.
Recipe card
Ukrainian Holubtsi with Meat and Rice Filling
Equipment: Mixing bowl, measuring tools and suitable pan
Ingredients
Instructions
Soften cabbage
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Lower cabbage in and remove leaves as they soften. Trim thick ribs.
Par-cook rice
Simmer rice in water 8 minutes until partly tender; drain and cool.
Make filling
Heat oil and cook one onion with carrot until soft. Cool, then mix with ground meat, rice, salt and pepper.
Roll cabbage
Place about 2 tablespoons filling on each leaf, fold sides inward and roll snugly.
Simmer
Arrange rolls seam-side down in a pot. Mix tomato paste, tomato sauce and 500 ml water; pour over rolls. Cover and simmer gently 45 to 55 minutes until meat reaches 71°C (160°F) and cabbage is tender. Serve with sour cream.
How to tell when it is ready
Cook until tender, set or golden as described.
Tips
- Measure ingredients before beginning.
- Use even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
- Cool and store leftovers promptly.
Troubleshooting
- If mixture is too thick, add liquid gradually.
- If browning too quickly, lower the heat.
Substitutions
- Use a suitable neutral oil if needed.
- Choose compatible alternatives for dietary needs.
Variations
- Adjust spices to your preference.
- Add citrus zest for a brighter flavor.
Serving suggestions
- Serve with a fresh seasonal side.
- Pair with tea, coffee or a suitable drink.
- Offer a complementary sauce or topping.
- Serve warm or chilled as directed.
Make ahead
Measure ingredients ahead and refrigerate perishable components; finish shortly before serving.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.
Food safety
Contains meat and dairy. Cook filling to 71°C (160°F); refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I prepare this ahead?
Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly.
How should I store ukrainian holubtsi cabbage rolls?
Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.
Serve promptly and store leftovers safely.
More recipes to try
Spotted a detail that needs correcting? Contact the FeastDelights editors.