Traditional cabbage rolls

Cookinero 24 Apr 2025

Cabbage rolls are considered a Russian dish, but in fact, in one form or another, this dish can be found in many cuisines around the world. According to one version, cabbage rolls are a Russian adaptation of eastern dolma. One way or another, cabbage rolls have firmly established themselves among traditional Russian dishes and are often associated with Russian grandmothers who cooked them in villages. The process of cooking cabbage rolls is quite labor-intensive, but following this recipe, you can cook them yourself and please your household.

How to cook Traditional cabbage rolls

Step 1

Traditional cabbage rolls

Carefully separate the cabbage leaves from the head. Remove the tough part from the leaves.

Step 2

Traditional cabbage rolls

Pour water into a saucepan. Heat it and put the cabbage leaves in the water for 5 minutes. This will soften the leaves and allow you to roll the filling in them.

Step 3

Traditional cabbage rolls

Place the cabbage leaves in a colander or sieve, then let the excess water drain off.

Step 4

Traditional cabbage rolls

While the cabbage leaves are cooling, cook the rice. Pour a large amount of water over the rice and cook until half-cooked.

Step 5

Traditional cabbage rolls

Place the half-cooked rice in a colander or sieve and then let it cool slightly.

Step 6

Traditional cabbage rolls

Prepare the filling. Finely chop the onion.

Step 7

Traditional cabbage rolls

In a deep bowl, combine the minced meat, rice and onion. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.

Step 8

Traditional cabbage rolls

Take a cabbage leaf and put some filling on it.

Step 9

Traditional cabbage rolls

Wrap the cabbage leaf into an envelope.

Step 10

Traditional cabbage rolls

Form the remaining cabbage rolls in this manner.

Step 11

Traditional cabbage rolls

Prepare the sauce. Mix sour cream, tomato paste, flour and water.

Step 12

Traditional cabbage rolls

Heat the sauce over medium heat until all the ingredients are combined and it thickens slightly. Add a pinch of salt and sugar to taste to achieve the desired taste.

Step 13

Traditional cabbage rolls

Place the cabbage rolls in a saucepan and pour the sauce over them. Simmer them over low heat for an hour.

Step 14

Traditional cabbage rolls

The cabbage rolls are ready. Garnish them with green onions, sour cream and a little grated cheese. Enjoy.

Traditional cabbage rolls - FAQ About Ingredients, Baking Time and Storage

Yes, you can use Swiss chard, collard greens, or even large grape leaves as alternatives to cabbage for rolling the filling. Adjust blanching time based on leaf toughness.
Cooked cabbage rolls stay fresh for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Absolutely! Replace minced meat with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or quinoa for a plant-based version. Season well to enhance flavor.
Assemble uncooked rolls, place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by adding 20–30 mins to simmering time.
Blanch leaves until pliable but not overly soft. Trim thick veins, and use two overlapping leaves for extra sturdiness if needed.
Yes, but skip precooking—just rehydrate instant rice with hot water and drain. Overcooking may make the filling mushy.
Serve with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a crisp green salad. A dollop of sour cream or dill garnish adds freshness.
Double the filling and use 2 cabbage heads. A wider pot helps fit more rolls, or split batches while simmering in sauce.

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