How to Make Authentic Glumpki or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
When our second daughter was born, my mother-in-law came from
Poland and stayed with us. Not only was she a wonderful help
with the baby, but she taught me how to cook in true Polish
style. My favorite Polish dish in Glumpki. Most Americans
pronounce this as, ga-lump-key, however, the true pronunciation
is, gwump-key.
In this article I will tell you how to make this delicious main
course. You will need the following: 1 large head cabbage 1
pound hamburger 1 pound sausage (I prefer Bob Evans mild) 2 cups
cooked rice
Cut as much of the core out of the bottom of the head as
possible. Place the head core-side-down in a dutch oven with two
inches of water. Make sure the lid can fit over the head. Keep
covered as you steam the leaves off and pull each leaf off
one-at-at time until the finished. Meanwhile you can mix the
hamburger, sausage and rich together.
Take some of the smaller or ripped cabbage leaves and cover the
bottom of the now-empty, dutch oven. To fill the cabbage leaves,
simply lay one down and spoon I the hamburger/sausage/rice
mixture into the leaf. You need to adjust the amount according
to the size of the leaf. You must be able to fold all the sides,
one over the other to completely cover the meat mixture. Place
in the dutch oven, folded side down. Continue to put stuffed
leaves in the pot. Laying them on top of each other is fine.
After all leaves are stuffed and in the pot, fill the pot half
way with water. Bring to boil and then to med and steam for one
hour.
I like to use a tomato-based sauce to serve on the side. To make
this sauce drain the water from the steamed Glumpki into a small
sauce pan. Mix two tablespoons four with 8 ounces sour cream.
Mix one small can tomato paste with saved water. Bring to boil
and add the sour cream mixture. Whisk together and cook until
thickened. We like to serve this meal with mashed potatoes.