Golumpki soup

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Golumpki soup is a delicious and hearty dish inspired by the traditional Polish stuffed cabbage rolls known as golumpki. Here’s a full recipe for making it:

Ingredients:

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork (optional, can use more beef if preferred)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cabbage: Remove the core from the cabbage and gently peel off 8-10 large leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for about 2 minutes or until pliable. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and pork, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked rice and mix well.
  3. Assemble the Soup Base: In a large pot, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef or chicken broth, paprika, thyme, and oregano. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  4. Form and Cook the Meatballs: Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll up tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls into the simmering soup base.
  5. Simmer: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar if desired.
  6. Serve: Ladle the golumpki soup into bowls and enjoy hot. It pairs well with crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream on top.

This soup captures all the comforting flavors of traditional golumpki, with the added ease of a one-pot meal. Enjoy!

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