How to make Polish stuffed cabbage?

Polish stuffed cabbage or "Gołąbki" is a traditional dish comprised of cabbage stuffed with a pork/rice meat mixture, cooked in its own sauce or with addition of tomato sauce.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1.2 pounds of ground pork or turkey
• large head of cabbage
• 1/2 onion
• 3/4 cup of rice
• 2 large carrots
• tomato paste
• 1 stick of margarine (optional)
• salt and pepper
• 3-4 bay leafs
• 4-5 allspice seeds
• 1 clove of garlic(optional)

1. 
    
   Meat and rice stuffing

   To prepare the stuffing, mix ground pork or turkey with cooked rice and shredded onion. Add salt and pepper for flavor. You may also add a clove of crushed garlic for some additional spice. Set the stuffing aside.

2. Place the head of cabbage in a large pot of slightly salted boiling water. The intent is to soften the cabbage with steam and water in order to peal off individual leafs without tearing them apart. Continue steaming and pealing leafs until your cabbage is almost gone. Do not dispose of the water.

3. 
    
   Groundwork for gołąbki

   Lower the heat under the pot to a minimum and line the bottom with about half of the sliced carrots and remaining parts of the cabbage head. Add bay leafs and allspice seed.

4. 
    
   Removal of the thick rib

   Using a knife, carefully remove the thick rib from the center of each leaf without puncturing it.

5. 
    
   Positioning the stuffing

   Spread each individual leaf on hard surface such as a cutting board and place a large spoon of stuffing in the middle. The amount of stuffing really depends on the size of the leaf and personal preference.

6. 
    
   Start with the bottom of the leaf

   Cover the stuffing by folding the bottom (thick) part of the leaf toward the center.

7. 
    
   The art of folding cabbage!

   Next, fold the two sides of the leaf toward the center. Lastly, hold the two sides with your fingers and continue rolling it on to itself. Done! Your gołąbek is ready.

8. 
    
   Place gołąbki in the pot

   Place gołąbki in the pot as well as the remaining sliced carrots. Pour watered-down tomato paste over everything. If you are not counting your calories, this is also the time to add your stick of margarine for additional flavor. Cover the pot and cook on low to medium hit for a approximately 1.5 hours.

9. 
    
   Bon appetit!

   Serve gołąbki with a side of potatoes and a salad of choice or a pickle.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful that your sauce does not boil out. If necessary, add some water and lower the heat.