Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls with Mushrooms and Mushroom Sauce
Cook Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Description:
Shchedryi Vechir, or Generous Eve, is a spirited celebration in Ukraine, marking New Year’s Eve or, in some regions, the eve of the Feast of St. Basil on January 14th. In others, it coincides with the eve of the Feast of Jordan on January 19th. Regardless of the date, this festive occasion is a time for hearty feasting, where traditional dishes like these delectable cabbage rolls take center stage. Their rich, savory flavors make them a perfect addition to any holiday table, infusing your celebrations with warmth and joy.
Recipe Category: European
Keywords: Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls, Mushroom Sauce, Holiday Recipe, Comfort Food
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | White cabbage |
| 2 | Rice |
| 1 | Onion |
| 2 | Butter |
| 1/4 | Dried mushrooms |
| 3 | Whole mushrooms |
| 2 | Butter |
| 2 | Onions (medium) |
| Butter | |
| 1 | Onion (large) |
| 1/4 | Fresh mushrooms (chopped) |
| 1 | All-purpose flour |
| 1 | Beef broth |
| 1 | Vegetable broth |
| 1/2 | Fresh parsley |
| 1 | Sour cream |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 462.2 |
| Total Fat | 14.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 34.8 mg |
| Sodium | 179.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 74.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.7 g |
| Sugars | 12 g |
| Protein | 11.7 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Rice: Begin by cooking the rice according to the instructions provided on the package, ensuring it is fluffy and well-cooked.
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Prepare the Cabbage: Remove the core from the head of white cabbage and gently place the entire head into a large pot filled with boiling water. Cover the pot and allow the cabbage to cook for approximately three minutes. After this time, carefully remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool until it is easy to handle.
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Remove the Leaves: Once cooled, peel off the softened outer leaves of the cabbage and stack them on a platter, ready for filling. To facilitate rolling, thin out the tough vein near the stem of each leaf.
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Make the Mushroom Filling: For the mushroom filling, take the dried mushrooms and place them into a medium saucepan. Cover them with water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. After boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and continue cooking the mushrooms for about one hour. Once cooked, strain the mushrooms, reserving the liquid, and grind them in a food processor or blender until finely minced.
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Sauté the Onions: While the mushrooms are cooking, melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the two medium onions, chopped finely, and sauté them until they become transparent, which should take about five minutes. Combine these sautéed onions with the ground mushrooms, adding a dash of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
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Prepare the Stuffing: In the same skillet, sauté the large chopped onion in another two tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it turns translucent. Once ready, combine this sautéed onion with the mushroom filling and the previously cooked rice, stirring well to mix all the flavors together.
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Assemble the Cabbage Rolls: Line the bottom of a casserole dish with any cabbage leaves that are not suitable for stuffing. Set aside about six good, whole leaves for the rolls. Take each leaf and fill the stem portion with two to three heaping tablespoons of the rice and mushroom mixture. Carefully roll the leaves, tucking in the sides as you go, to create a neat roll. Place each stuffed cabbage leaf seam-side down into the prepared casserole dish.
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Prepare the Mushroom Sauce: In another skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sauté the 1/4 cup of chopped onions until they are tender, which should take about five minutes. Then, add one cup of freshly chopped mushrooms and cook for approximately ten minutes until they soften. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and blend it well.
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Create the Sauce: Gradually pour in the reserved mushroom broth and stir continuously until the mixture thickens. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then incorporate the sour cream, blending until smooth and creamy.
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Bake the Cabbage Rolls: Pour the mushroom sauce generously over the stuffed cabbage rolls in the casserole dish. Bake the dish uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F for one to one-and-a-half hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. These Ukrainian cabbage rolls make for a delightful and hearty companion to your festive meals, particularly alongside plain roast beef or other traditional dishes.
Final Thoughts
Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls with Mushrooms and Mushroom Sauce is a dish steeped in cultural significance and tradition, perfect for any festive occasion. Their rich flavor, combined with the earthy notes of mushrooms, provides a comforting experience that is sure to please family and friends alike. As you prepare this recipe, embrace the spirit of Shchedryi Vechir, sharing the joy of good food and togetherness with loved ones. Enjoy!
