Russian Monday: "Lenivie Golubtsy" - Lazy Style Cabbage Rolls

Nobody knows exact origin of golubtsy (pronounced in Russian as “go-loob-zy”), i.e. Russian traditional stuffed cabbage dish, neither origin of its name. One thing is for certain – this dish is tasty, satisfying and impossible to get bored with due to tens of variations of the same recipe. One of such variations is named “lazy golubtsy”.

Usually it is a good option when you don’t have much time to wrap traditional forcemeat with rice into cabbage leaves, or simply don’t want to bother with that. In such case stuffing can be placed in layers between cabbage leaves, or simply mixed together with shredded cabbage. I would like to offer you the recipe passed to me by my mom. Full tablespoon of sour cream is a perfect condiment to serve with golubtsy.

Serves: 4 people

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 2/3 cup white rice
• 1 1/3 cup water for rice
• 1 small cabbage, or 1/2 of large cabbage, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup half & half
• sour cream to serve (optional)
• fresh herbs (optional)

Directions:

In the sauce pan mix together the rice, water and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Turn the heat to high and bring to a boil. Stir once, reduce the heat to low, cover and cook without stirring, until all the water has been absorbed, and the rice is tender, 12-15 minutes. Let it cool.
Meanwhile, in a large, deep fry pan or sauté pan over low heat, warm the olive oil and add the onion. Cook, stirring, just until the onion is wilted, about 3 minutes. Add the cabbage and stir, cook a little more, about 5 minutes. Let it cool.
In a large bowl mix together the rice, cabbage mixture and ground beef. Add the spices and eggs. Mix everything together very well. Using two hands form a medium size cutlets. You should have about 8-10 cutlets.
In a large fry pan over medium heat, warm a little olive oil and sauté the cabbage rolls until well browned on all sides, 8 to 10 minutes. Cover the cabbage rolls with the tomato sauce and half & half mixed together. Cover and cook on a very low heat for about 10-15 minutes. Serve hot with sauce and sure cream. You can sprinkle with fresh herbs as well.

Source:

http://www.melangery.com/2015/10/russian-monday-lenivie-golubtsy-lazy.html