Allotmenticity - Stuffed Cabbage, Irka's Galumpkis

My friend The Polish Princess’ Stuffed Cabbage Leaves

(Irka’s Galumpkis)

Ingredients for 4 as a starter:

1 Large Savoy Cabbage.

1lb Minced Beef.

1 cup Rice.

1 Medium Onion finely chopped.

1 clove Garlic finely chopped.

Pinch dried mixed Herbs.

For the sauce:

Can chopped Tomatoes.

1 Small Onion finely chopped.

Pinch dried mixed Herbs.

Core the cabbage and separate the large outer leaves removing the thick stem. You will need 4 leaves. Cook in boiling water for 5 minutes or until soft.

Drain & pat dry with kitchen towel and set aside. Keep some of the cabbage water to add to cooking liquor.

Fry Onion, Garlic and Minced Beef for about 5 minutes until meat is browned, remove from heat and add herbs and rice.

Take Savoy Cabbage leaf and add a generous heaped tablespoon of filling onto the leaf and roll folding in the sides to make a parcel. Don’t roll too tightly as the rice expands as it cooks.

To make the cooking liquor, fry the onion until soft, add the chopped tomatoes, about ½ can of the cabbage water and the mixed herbs. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

In a large saucepan place the cabbage parcels seam side down in layers and cover with the tomato liquor. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 30 minutes. Test to make sure the rice is fully cooked.

Serve in large warmed soup bowls with crusty bread.