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Authentic Polish Golumpki Soup (Deconstructed Cabbage Rolls)

A close-up of rich, savory Golumpki Soup with ground meat and cabbage simmering in a dark pot.
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Make this hearty Golumpki Soup, a simple, one-pot version of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls cooked in a savory tomato broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef and pork mix
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice, rinsed
  • 1 head green cabbage (about 3 pounds), shredded
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup water (for thinning, if needed)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the rinsed rice, shredded cabbage, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, marjoram, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
  5. Remove the bay leaf before serving. If the soup is too thick, stir in up to 1/4 cup of water until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use half beef broth and half chicken broth.
  • You can brown the meat mixture in a slow cooker liner before transferring it to the slow cooker for the long simmer. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  • If using an Instant Pot, sauté the meat and aromatics, then add the remaining ingredients (omit the bay leaf for safety in pressure cooking). Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a Natural Pressure Release for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/golumpki-soup-stuffed-cabbage-soup-recipe/