Holubtsi, originating from Eastern Europe, are cabbage rolls filled with a savory mixture of rice and ground meat, typically served with tomato sauce. This traditional dish has been enjoyed for generations, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Ingredients:

- 1 head cabbage

- 1 cup uncooked rice

- 500g ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 can tomato sauce

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Water

- Olive oil

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Core the cabbage and blanch it in boiling water until leaves are tender. Remove and let cool.

3. Cook rice according to package instructions.

4. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.

5. Add ground meat to the pan and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Mix cooked rice with the meat mixture.

7. Place a spoonful of the filling onto each cabbage leaf, roll them up, and tuck in the edges.

8. Arrange the cabbage rolls in a baking dish.

9. Pour tomato sauce over the rolls and add water until they are partially covered.

10. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 1 hour, or until cabbage is tender.

11. Serve hot with additional tomato sauce if desired. Enjoy your Holubtsi!

Nutrition Value:

1. Cabbage:

  - Calories: Approximately 44 per 100g

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g per 100g

  - Protein: Approximately 1.3g per 100g

  - Fat: Approximately 0.2g per 100g

  - Sodium: Low

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin B6

  - Minerals: Good source of manganese, potassium, and calcium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cabbage is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients, supporting digestive health and providing immune system support.

2. Uncooked Rice:

  - Calories: Approximately 130 per 1/4 cup (uncooked)

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 29g per 1/4 cup (uncooked)

  - Protein: Approximately 2.7g per 1/4 cup (uncooked)

  - Fat: Approximately 0.3g per 1/4 cup (uncooked)

  - Sodium: Low

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins

  - Minerals: Contains trace amounts of iron and magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Rice provides energy from carbohydrates and some protein, making it a staple food in many diets worldwide.

3. Ground Meat (Beef, Pork, or Combination):

  - Calories: Varies depending on type and fat content

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: High

  - Fat: Varies depending on type and fat content

  - Sodium: Varies depending on seasoning

  - Cholesterol: Varies depending on type and fat content

  - Vitamins: Contains B vitamins, particularly B12

  - Minerals: Contains iron, zinc, and selenium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Meat is a significant source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair, and provides essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins.

4. Onion:

  - Calories: Approximately 40 per 100g

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 9g per 100g

  - Protein: Approximately 1.1g per 100g

  - Fat: Approximately 0.1g per 100g

  - Sodium: Low

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin C and vitamin B6

  - Minerals: Good source of potassium and folate

  - Nutritional Benefit: Onions contain antioxidants and sulfur compounds that may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

5. Garlic:

  - Calories: Approximately 149 per 100g

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 33g per 100g

  - Protein: Approximately 6g per 100g

  - Fat: Approximately 0.5g per 100g

  - Sodium: Low

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin C and vitamin B6

  - Minerals: Contains manganese, calcium, and potassium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.

6. Tomato Sauce:

  - Calories: Approximately 82 per 100g

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 17g per 100g

  - Protein: Approximately 2.5g per 100g

  - Fat: Approximately 0.4g per 100g

  - Sodium: Varies depending on brand and recipe

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and vitamin A

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and small amounts of calcium and iron

  - Nutritional Benefit: Tomato sauce provides antioxidants like lycopene, which may have heart health benefits, and vitamins important for immune function and vision.

7. Salt and Pepper:

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Varies depending on usage

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: Salt contains sodium, which is essential for fluid balance and nerve function, but excessive intake may lead to health issues like high blood pressure. Pepper contains small amounts of minerals like manganese.

  - Nutritional Benefit: Salt and pepper enhance flavor without adding significant calories, making dishes more palatable.

8. Water:

  - Calories: None

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: None

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Water is essential for hydration and helps with digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation in the body.

9. Olive Oil:

  - Calories: Approximately 120 per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: Approximately 14g per tablespoon

  - Sodium: None

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin E and vitamin K

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron and calcium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which may have heart-healthy benefits. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.