Traditional Halupki (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Ingredients

• 1 large green cabbage

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or beef & pork mix)

• ½ cup uncooked rice

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)

• 2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage:
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and gently boil until leaves soften. Peel off leaves and set aside.

2. Make the filling:
   In a bowl, combine ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. Mix well.

3. Roll the halupki:
   Place 2–3 tbsp of filling on each cabbage leaf, fold in sides, and roll tightly.

4. Assemble:
   Spread a little tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish or pot. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce over top and sprinkle with sugar if using.

5. Cook:

   • Oven: Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1½–2 hours

   • Stovetop: Simmer gently for 1½ hours

6. Rest & serve:
   Let sit for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Serving Tips

• Serve with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or sour cream

• Tastes even better the next day 😋