Golabki: Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe (2024)

For Poles, Golabki needs no introduction. It’s always on Polish tables (especially at Christmas) regardless of which part of the country you’re coming from, and the recipe is always pretty much the same even if they’re being called golumpki quite often.

It turns out that in the US Polish cabbage rolls are dominated by the Martha Stewart recipe. If you didn’t know, Martha Stewart is actually a third-generation American but entirely of Polish heritage since both of her grandparents arrived at Ellis Island from Poland at the beginning of the XXth century.

Her father actually traveled back and forth to Europe from the US on the ship named Batory – which my own grandfather used to work on.

Anyway, Martha’s recipe slightly varies from the old traditional recipe for Golabki. It’s not better or worse, it’s just slightly different since they’re baked, not stewed.

Why are Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Called Gołąbki (Little Pigeons)?

First things first, where did the name of this dish come from? It was most likely borrowed from the Ukranian word “hołubci” (gołąbek – single) at the beginning of the XIXth century.

The actual story behind what was inside golabki at first varies. Some sources claim that there were actually stuffed pigeons wrapped in cabbage on royal courts in France.

The Poles got jealous of them since for decades stuffed pigeons and other birds like swans were considered a fancy dish, and decided to name their peasant dish with the same name.

Other sources think it’s because in Slavic languages they liked to use names of birds and animals for dishes made of potatoes or bread.

Either way, the middle-class made the dish famous by stuffing cabbage with what they had – kasza (buckwheat) and potatoes. There was no meat or rice in this dish before, like it’s eaten today.

What is the difference between golabki and sarmale?

The main difference between Polish golabki and Romanian sarmale is that while golabki uses fresh cabbage leaves, sarmale is made with layers of pickled cabbage leaves that are similar to sauerkraut.

While ground pork and beef are the focus of the golabki cabbage rolls, the sarmale also includes smoked pork fat, smoked sausage, and bits of smoked bacon.

Golabki focuses on tomatoes in its sauce while sarmale may include dill too. Sarmale is also often served with sour cream or tomato sauce, while golabki comes with polenta and a tomato sauce or mushroom gravy.

Whatever the differences in the recipe, both dishes are very popular on the Christmas dinner menu.

Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe Pointers:

• Keep checking on the cabbage while you’re cooking it. Some types take a bit longer to cook, but some are done at the snap of a finger.
• Remove the tough ribs of the cabbage leaves with the help of a paring knife.
• If you don’t want to make your own tomato sauce you can use regular pasta sauce from a jar.
• Add raisins to the sauce or to the minced meat for a sweeter dish!
• Use a cashew nut flour in the sauce if you want it vegan, or if you want a creamier and richer taste!
• Serve with a side of these traditional Polish potato dumplings!

FAQs about Stuffed Cabbage Rolls called Golabki

What are the other names for golabki?

Golabki are also calledGolumpki, Gwumpki, Golombki,Golabki, orGluntkes.But they go by many other names in other Central European countries – our Czech and Slovak neighbors call themholubky, the Ukrainians call themholubtsi, the Hungarians call themtöltött káposzta, the Russians call themgolubtsyand the Turks and Germans call themsarma.

Can you make golabki vegetarian?

Yes, absolutely and it’s often on Polish Christmas Even tables, as this day you don’t eat meat. This recipe can be easilymade vegetarian by replacing minced meat with lentils, grains, and soybeans. Some good choices are bulgur wheat, quinoa, kasha (roasted buckwheat), or brown rice.

Alternatively, you can also add finely chopped mushrooms – whether it’s for the meat or veggie option.

Can you make golabki vegan?

Yes, you can use any of the grains, lentils that vegetarians use instead of the minced meat.
You could alsouse vegan beef crumblesthat are made of carrots, walnuts, cauliflower, mushrooms, tomatoes, and are perfect for vegans too! In place of the butter in the sauce, use a nut butter and you’ll have a delicious vegan golabki.

Can you freeze golabki?

How to reheat golabki?

Easily!Reheat your golabki in the sauce on the stove. Avoid reheating them in the microwave as they might reopen.

What do you serve with golabki?

Golabki goes well with rye bread,kopytka, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or kielbasa sausages.