How I Learned to Make Polish Cabbage Rolls: Golumpki: a Tribute to Alice Who Taught Me Her Specialty dish
My future Mother-In-Law was Amazing
Alice was a special and amazing lady. She could speak Lithuanian, Polish, Russian,
and English languages fluently.
Her parents moved to the United States when she was two years of age. Learning one language is difficult enough for most children, but to learn four is amazing.
Meeting an Amazing Lady
Before we were married, my fiancé took me to meet his mother. His mother, Alice had prepared dinner for us, her specialty.
Alice always prepared her special dish for all family get-togethers and special occasions, and I felt very much honored that she considered meeting me a special occasion.
Golumpki - Polish Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage Rolls - Golumpki
The Aroma was Making Me Hungry
When we arrived at Alice’s house, she had company. One of her friends from Lithuania brought a letter written in Polish for Alice to translate for her. That is how I learned of her ability to read, write and speak different languages.
After her visitor left, grandchildren began arriving or calling to request that their grandmother save them some of her special dish. I was not surprised the aroma was making me so hungry, I could hardly stand it.
Alice seemed to know something about everything, football, basketball and the players’ names and the positions they played. My fiancé got caught up on the coming and goings of his family, as his mother relayed the news of everyone.
Alice told me she would show me how to make her special dish
From the first bite, I knew that I had to learn to make this dish. When I ask Alice if I could have the recipe, I was pleasantly surprised when she told me she would show me how to make it.
Several weeks after I first met Alice she called and invited me to a party at her daughter’s home. She said she would be making her special dish to take with us and if I wanted to learn to make it she would be happy to show me how.
On the morning of the party, we arrived early and Alice and I prepared her special dish. From that day forward I felt very close to Alice.
Golumpki the Recipe
Ingredients:
In a large pot bring water to a boil.
In a large mixing bowl, mix thoroughly.
·3 lbs. lean ground beef
·1 lb. ground pork
·4 slices of lean bacon, fried crisp and crumbled into the mix.
·4 cups of cooked rice (I have long since used cooked Barley)
·1 large onion finely chopped and sautéed
·1 clove of garlic finely minced
Seasonings I use.
·1 package meatloaf seasoning
·Lots of black pepper
After thoroughly mixed set aside and prepare the cabbage
·Two large heads of cabbage
·4 16oz cans of Sauer Kraut
·4 16oz cans of diced tomatoes
Cut leaves off of 2 heads of cabbage and cut down the veins on the leaves drop the leaves into the hot water for a couple of minutes remove with tongs place on a plate to cool
In a large cooking pot place half a 16 ounce can of Sauer Kraut, to cover the bottom and a layer of diced tomatoes and enough water to cover the Kraut and tomatoes.
Make rolls of the mixture with (about half cup per leaf of cabbage) make a layer of the rolls on top, of the Sauer Kraut, then another layer of Kraut and tomatoes and another layer of rolls and add water to cover Kraut and tomatoes then another layer of rolls, continue until all mixture is used.
At the same time heating the pot, as it starts to boil, put a tight lid on the pot lower the heat and allow simmering for approximately one and a half hours. Serve with sour cream, and enjoy.
Preparation and Cook Time
Thank you Perspycacious
For correcting me
You gave me such a hearty laugh
As I read your comment
And I could picture it visually
Perspycacious' comment
I quote from your Hub: "remove with tongues place on a plate to cool (sic)" I burned my own tongue trying to follow that direction, before I figured out that you must have meant "tongs"!
© 2013 Shyron E Shenko
Comments
This recipe sounds delicious. I had to laugh over that "tongue" comment and the correction to tong. Enjoy your weekend, and stay safe!
Always think of this wonderfully delicious recipe of yours when the weather starts getting a little nippy. Starting Monday night the temperature is to be down in the 30s. Just for a few days, 3 or 4, but when it warms up it will only be in the 40s most nights, so it would seem fall is really here.
Posting this on AH & FB.
Covid-19 is revving up again it seems, so no matter how sick of it you are, as most of us are, continue to take precautions. No matter how tired of the virus we all are, it's not tired of us. Over 222,000 people have died from it so far.
Stay safe. Blessings, dear friend . . .
Delicious and good for you! During these hot Texas summers, I like to do my cooking at night when it's a little cooler. Posting this to AH & FB.
Hope you're staying cool and safe as this county often has over a hundred new virus infections every day now. Still a low death tole, thankfully (46), but I think that will change in another few days. :(
Just now found your comment here. I would love to meet your friend. I'm glad you have found someone to share time and experiences with. It can make life so much better . . .
Yes, I would love to have this dish for my dinner tonight. If only I had the means to cook. Now that I am diagnosed as full fledged diabetic, I understand better the ability to be able to cook.
I'm so glad things are going well for you, Shyron. Look forward to meeting ?? :) Blessings, dear friend.
- AUTHOR
Au fait, thank you for the comments. I have the facility but no longer seem to have the time to make my favorite dish, I did however make the stuffing and stuffed poblano peppers and they were fantastic and I thought of you. Someday soon my boyfriend and I are going to came see you.
Blessings dear friend.
Despite the awful heat continuing longer into September than it usually does, cooler days are coming. This recipe is great no matter what the weather is doing, but somehow it's super delicious on a day when there's a little crispness in the air. I love this recipe and wish I had the facilities to cook so I could make it.
Posting this to AH & FB.
Hope you are staying well. Blessings dear friend . . .
This dish is delicious anytime, but this awful weather we're having would make it even more satisfying. To be below freezing at night for a while with a vicious windchill. Hope all is well with you. Blessings dear friend . . .
- AUTHOR
Au fait, thank you again for the comments. I appreciate you so very much.
I have to make this recipe one of these days. I don't seem to have time for anything these days. I have a friend who I play pool/poker with at the senior center five days a week, which leaves precious little time for anything else, but one of these day.
I hope all is well with you my dear friend,
Blessing dear friend
This recipe has called my name ever since you first published it. My first mother-in-law used to make the best stuffed cabbage from scratch regularly. Hers was from an Armenian recipe given her by a friend many years earlier, but it was delicious. The photos and ingredients list reminds me of her recipe even though they aren't exactly the same. They are close enough and I just know your recipe would be delicious too, anytime, but especially on these chilly nights we're having.
Hope all is well with you. Blessings dear friend . . .
Temperatures have thankfully cooled of late and the cooler weather is so welcome! Made me think of this recipe that is always good, but especially hits the spot when it's cooler outside.
Sent the book you asked for along with another one, in separate emails because the files were so big. Hope you received them OK.
Blessings dear friend. Take care . . .
- AUTHOR
Au fait, thank you for the comments and compliments. I would love to make this dish, but between doctor appointments, the ER and home health coming to house there is precious little time left for anything.
I hope all is well with you, Blessings dear friend.
The weather here is perfect for this dish. And it's to get more perfect -- low 20s temperatures starting this coming Saturday night and to last for at least 5 days! This recipe would be perfect for dinners/suppers on those night especially, but of course it's excellent any time, because it tastes so good.
Hope everything is the best it can be at your house and in your life. Blessings dear friend.
- AUTHOR
Au fait, I wish I felt like making this but I hardly ever have time to keep up with HP, John has been in the hospital and other thinks that I can't mention here.
Blessings my dear friend.
How I wish I could have this yummy dish for real!
Have been informed I must remove pasta from my menu (hardly ever eat it anyway) because I now have Type 2, as I suspected. Fortunately this delicious dish has no pasta included yet has the flavor I love.
Hope all is well. Take care . . .
- AUTHOR
Peggy, thank you so very much for the comment. I love barley and think it gives body to the golumpki.
Blessings to you my friend.
- AUTHOR
Au fait, thank you for the comment, sorry about the length of time it took to get back to you.
I wish I felt like making this dish but in the past week I haven't felt like doing any thing but sleeping
I hope all is well with you
Blessings my dear friend.
I just noticed that this was pinned to the Awesome HubPages board which brought me back here again. It is interesting that you are now using barley instead of rice. This truly sounds delicious. It has been quite some time since I have made cabbage rolls. I should correct that! :)
Today/tonight is a great time to serve this yummy meal. Great weather for it, though it's warmed a little here from what it's been. Really, any time is perfect for this delicious recipe, at least from my perspective. I love just the thought of stuffed cabbage. Pinning this to Awesome HubPages, too.
Many blessings and hugs to you both, and Happy New Year!!
- AUTHOR
Au fait, thank you for the comments, compliments and for sharing.
I hope that all is well with you and you are inside where it is cool.
Blessings and hugs as always.
Even though the weather outside is anything but crisp, this dish looks so yummy to me. Giving this another share. Such an attractive and healthful recipe and tasty too!
Hope you're having a good day. Blessings and hugs my friend. Take care . . .
- AUTHOR
Au fait, Thank you for the comment and for sharing.
Hope all is well with you also and hope you have the best New Year ever.
Blessings and Hugs dear friend
Would love some of this on these cold nights. It would be perfect. Sharing.
Hope all is well with you and that your New Year is off to a great start!
- AUTHOR
Patricia, I really appreciate you, thank you for the comments, compliments, pin and tweet and a special thank you for the angels, I will send them back with lots of blessings and hugs.
Angels are winging their way back as we speak. ss
I thought I had read this but cannot find a comment from me. So here goes.
How cool it is to learn first hand how to make a special family recipe; it is an honor to have such an experience.
My friend's Mother made sauerbraten and it was divine ....like Alice she taught me the recipe, walking through the entire process with me.
Thank you for the story and the recipe.
Shared g+ tweeted and pinned
Angels are on the way to you this evening ps
I'm so hungry. Haven't eaten yet today and this looks so yummy! I know it is, too. Why doesn't a restaurant offer this? I bet it would be very popular. Sharing this delicious recipe again.
Hope you are both enjoying a peaceful evening and haven't worked too hard today. Take care . . .
- AUTHOR
Au fait, thank you my friend for the comment and for sharing this article.
John and I hope you are staying cool
Blessings and Hugs.
Even though it's beastly hot outside today, this looks delicious. Haven't eaten yet today so this would be so yummy! Can just taste it! Sharing of course.
Hope you and John are well and staying cool. Blessings and hugs . . .
- AUTHOR
Mary615, I hope my recipe turns out well for you. I am glad you are inspired to try it.
Thank you for the comments, up votes +.
Blessings and hugs dear friend
- AUTHOR
Poetryman6969, this dish is addictive and you will be full as a tick. as the southerners say.
Beef and Pork are sometimes mixed in meatloaf, My mom made it with both. I didn't.
Blessings and hugs my friend
I have not made Cabbage Rolls is a long time, but now I am inspired to follow your recipe. Yours is very different from mine. This was a favorite of my late hubby, but my kids never would eat it!
Voted UP, etc.
- AUTHOR
Au fait, thank you for the comment. It is way to humid to make this dish. It is better served when is cold outside, but I love this dish anytime, I don like wilting while I am making it.
Blessings and Hugs to you also.
Beef and pork? I may be too hungry to think straight.
Voted up.
I'll have seconds please.
Sure would love to have some of this! Looks so yummy!! I've had a craving for something with tomato sauce of late and this would really hit the spot. Sharing this excellent recipe again.
So humid out and then the sun came out and broiled everyone and everything. I know we're so lucky it hasn't been in the 90s or a 100 yet, but it was still unpleasant today. Hope you and John are good and all news is good news. Blessings and hugs. Take care . . .
- AUTHOR
Audrey, thank you for the comment and well wishes. I know when I read this, I miss John's mother very much.
Hope all is well with you also.
Blessings and Hugs Dear friend.
Hope John is well and that you are too Shyron--take care of yourself--whenever I see this hub come up on my feed, I feel nostalgic--hope all is well with you
- AUTHOR
Au fait, thank you for the comments, up votes and sharing. There does not seem to be enough time to make this any more, right now sitting in ER waiting for results of blood work on John. Brought him here maybe make the powers that be get their themselves in gear and okay the meds he needs.
Blessings to you also.
I wish I knew where I could get some of this delicious stuffed cabbage. I've been hankering for some lasanga and some eggplant parmesan, too.
Hope you are enjoying this day, though it's a tad warmer than I would like. Blessings for you both . . .
Voted up and shared.
- AUTHOR
Patsybell, thank you for your visit and your comment. I am so pleased that you are going to try this dish. You are right it is great for this lingering cold, it warms your insides.
Have a Blessed day and I do hope you enjoy it.
- AUTHOR
Patricia, thank you for the comment, up-votes, sharing, pin and a special thank you for the Angels.
This is one of my favorite dishes and is hubby's favorite. I had not had this dish until I met my Mother-In-Law. She was an awesome lady. ss
This sounds like a wonderful family tradition and great story. I'm adding the ingredients to my grocery list. A perfect dish for these cold lingering days of winter.
Ok I am now salivating. I had cabbage rolls years ago but not like this. Kraut added must make these spectacular. I know what I am taking to our next Sunday brunch!!!
Yummmmmy
Voted up +++++ up and away
Shared and Pinned to my 'good things to eat' board.
Angels are on the way to you at this moment ps
- AUTHOR
Au fait, thank you for your comments and for sharing. I really appreciate you.
I hope you are warm and safe. You are an incredible friend.
Blessings and hugs.
I tried to call you this morning, to check up on you, but no answer.
- AUTHOR
Patricia, thank you for the comment, and the angels. I can smell the Golumpki as I begin to drool. They do create magic.
Please, forgive the delay in getting back to thank you. We (my neighborhood, and myself) are fighting a developer who wants to run roughshod over our town.
Blessings and Hugs to you my dear friend
Shyron
- AUTHOR
Peachy, Thank you so much for the comment, I really appreciate you.
Blessings and hugs.
Shyron
- AUTHOR
Thank you Brad (bradmasterOCcal), for the visit and comment. I appreciate your stopping by.
Have a Blessed day.
- AUTHOR
Tami, thank you for the visit, I really appreciate you, it does taste better with memories.
Blessings and Hugs to you.
Who knew this many people are interested in an ethnic dish like this, it just shows they have good taste, and they like foods that taste good.
This sounds so good. I have not had these for many many years. Thank you for the story and for this recipe that I am sure will create magic in my kitchen.
Angels are on the way to you this morning ps
You got a very good mother in law who taught you to cook. Mine refuaed to teach me
I love any recipe that has a great story or memory attached to it..It always makes it taste better! Great hub, thanks!
Really good weather for this dish. I would say again, but still is probably more like it. Seems like we're to have several chilly nights and then a couple of decent ones and then back to the chilly again. Days haven't been so bad, but it gets really cold at night for some reason.
Sharing.
Thought of calling las' night but it gets pretty late by the time I'm settled down for the day often times. Hope things are going well generally and also regarding that developer situation. Blessings for you both . . .
- AUTHOR
Au fait, thank you for the comment, blessings and hugs. I hope that you are also in a comfortable, warm dry place. I would make Golumpki, but don't want to go out in the cold for the ingredients.
Maybe one of these days.
Blessings and hugs to you.
Currently the weather is perfect for this yummy meal! Wish I had some right now, and I do love stuffed cabbage. Hope you and John will be in a comfortable warm place tonight and through the weekend when it is rumored we may have snow and ice. For sure there's plenty of wind and it's a cold wind. Stay in for the next few days and take care. Blessings and hugs to you both . . .
- AUTHOR
Thank you Perspycacious
For correcting me
You gave me such a hearty laugh
As I read your comment
And I could picture it visually
LOL...the visual will stay with me for a long time to come or whenever I make this dish.
Thank you for the comment also.
Your friend
Shyron
LOL...The visual that I got will stay with me for a long time to come,
- AUTHOR
Audrey, thank you for your comment, I do appreciate you.
Blessings and hugs
Shyron
- AUTHOR
Au fait, I love this stuff also, but it is the time it takes to make it that prevents me from having it more often.
Thank you dear friend for your comments. We are okay, and hope you are doing well.
Blessings and ((((Hugs))))
I quote from your Hub: "remove with tongues place on a plate to cool (sic)" I burned my own tongue trying to follow that direction, before I figured out that you must have meant "tongs"!
I grew up with this type of food--makes my stomach rumble and my heart yearn
The weather is just right for this recipe. I think it would make a great Christmas Eve dinner too, with some crusty bread. Going to share this again. I love this stuff!
Hope all's well there. God bless . . .
- AUTHOR
Au fait, I will be making them this morning as soon as the plumber checks out the water leak, so much going on.
Thank you for the comment, AU up-votes and for sharing.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend and hope next week is cool for you.
I will call you later in the day.
Blessings dear friend
This would be the perfect day for these stuffed cabbage rolls. A little on the cool side and everyone here should enjoy because it won't last long and we'll be back to HOT again. I love stuffed cabbage. Wish I had some.
Voting this up and AU. Will share with followers.
Hope you and John are planning a nice relaxing weekend . . . take care.
- AUTHOR
Au fait, thank you so very much for the comments, pin to AH, up votes and and sharing, you are so appreciated.
Yes I would love to have made this, but migraines are so debilitating, after the ER, the next three days are a sleepy blurr, and I was in that state when you call, sorry I don't remember what we talked about.
Dear friend, I hope you have a good day tomorrw and the rest of the week, is stays cooler.
Blessings and hugs.
Shyron
These last couple of days have been such a nice change and a relief! Appreciate very much any part you played in bringing them about. Your Polish stuffed cabbage would be so yummy anytime, but perfect for when temperatures turn cooler outside. Sadly it's going to get hot again, but this delicious dish of yours would be great for this weekend. Make enough to put some in the freezer for a day that isn't so cool.
Pinned to AH, shared on HP, and voted up and awesome! Appreciate all you do, dear Shyron.
When I'm hot and miserable I'm not worth much in any regard. This is the first I've had time or energy for HP in several days.
Hope you and John are having a peaceful night getting some good sleep. Hope you are both much better soon. Blessings for you both . . .
- AUTHOR
Peg, thank you for reading and commenting. I am glad you enjoyed the story and that this recipe reminds you of you Austrian Grandmother, she must have been a great cook.
I hope that you do make them, and enjoy them as much as I and my hubby do.
Have a Blessed Day.
Shyron
- AUTHOR
Au fait, this is one of my favorites and hubby's also. I especially like this in the winter when it is cold outside.
No I have not considered making it for a price, nice thought.
I appreciate the up votes posting on FB and pin, sharing.
I don't know if the FB views mean anything as far as views on here.
Have a Blessed day.
Oh, this recipe reminds me so much of my Grandmother from Austria. And your great story of your Mother in Law who showed you how to make them was delightful. Your recipe sounds so delicious I'm hungry to try your version of these cabbage rolls.
This jumps out at me because I am hungry. I know it's probably more of a fall/winter meal, but I would love it anytime -- especially right now. Have you considered making it and offering delivery? For a price of course.
Voting this up and BAUI, posting on FB, and pinning to AH, and sharing! Incidentally, when I posted your article about hip replacement the other day on FB it got 39 views. Hope that translated to views for you too.
- AUTHOR
Moonlake, thank you so much for reading, commenting, up vote and pinning.
I really appreciate you.
Shyron
I've been on here before but I came back to pin this to my recipe board. Voted up
- AUTHOR
You are right Au fait, blustry days are the best for this dish. I have not made this in a few months.
I hope you had a good day also...I am so sorry your yahoo acct. is not up to expectations.
Thank you for the votes, comments, sharing and pinning. You are a dear friend.
I think blustery days are especially good days for a meal like this, but right now I'm hungry and this sure does look yummy. Voted up and AU, pinned to AH, and shared.
Hope you had a good day and didn't work so hard outside. Note you sent a message to my Yahoo acct. They must be improving it again -- can't open any of my mail and most of the options are not even there. Can always tell when they're making it better. Nothing works, which would seem to be their goal . .
- AUTHOR
Thank you sujaya venkatesh, for your visit and your comment.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Au fait, for your comments, votes and for sharing.
This is one of our favorite dishes. I am sorry you can't eat anything.
I hope you do not have a rough day today.
God Bless you my dear friend
- AUTHOR
Thank you Au fait, for your comments, votes and for sharing.
This is one of our favorite dishes. I am sorry you can't eat anything.
I hope you do not have a rough day today.
God Bless you my dear friend
a good recipe
thanku
shy
This looks so delicious, and I know it is, and I'm hungry. Unfortunately I must take my thyroid med in just under 2 hours and no food is allowed for 4 before or 1 hour after. I'll be at work after, and no food allowed there either.
Voting this up, useful, awesome, and sharing.
- AUTHOR
You are welcome Rebecca, Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Au fait, for the comment and up votes and for sharing.
I made Cabbage soup (no recipe) yesterday and it is good but nothing like Golumpki, and you are right, it would be good on a cold day like today. I hate cold with a passion, so the only thing good about a cold is being snug inside and eating Golumpki.
- AUTHOR
You are welcome Dolores, thank you for the comment. Yes Alice was a very special lady, and I loved her very much.
How lucky you were to meet such a warm, lovely future mother-in-law. The best way to carve new, positive relationships is with food! I remember this dish from childhood, when an uncle made it. It was delicious. Thanks for the recipe!
Oh, this REALLY looks good! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
We're going to be having a cold spell today and tomorrow as I'm sure you know. This dish would be fabulous anytime, but especially on a chilly day. Wish I had some right now! Looks wonderful and I always loved the Armenian stuffed cabbage my first mother-in-law made. I miss it.
Voted up, AU, and shared.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Peggy, for the comment. This is probably our favorite dish. I know it is mine, and hubby is always happy when I make it.
Thank you for the pin.
This sounds delicious! I love stuffed cabbage rolls. Going to pin this! Thanks!
- AUTHOR
Thank you Kathryn, I really appreciate your reading and commenting on my recipe. I loved my mother-in-law, she was special.
I did not make or eat Golumpki/cabbage rolls, until I met my mother-in-law. My grandmother grew cabbage in the garden, and her cabbage recipes were wonderful also, but she was to busy with six kids so close in age, it would have been hard for her to teach any one of us to cook.
Thank you Kathry, for the vote up, pinning and sharing. You are so appreciated.
- AUTHOR
You are right Au fait, but it is too cold to go out for the ingredients. I too, love this dish.
Thank you for sharing, pinning and the up votes BAUI.
Thanks my friend.
That sauerkraut surprised me. I don't think I have seen that added before. It sounds very good.
The family connection makes a recipe hub so much more interesting.
I enjoyed your beautiful story about your mother-in-law. It made the recipe so much more special! I like different variations on cabbage rolls, but I have never heard of using sauerkraut. It sounds delicious, and I am getting hungry looking at the photo.
Thanks for sharing this with us. Voted up and pinning.
Have a great day!
~ Kathryn
This would be the perfect meal during this ice storm we're having! But then it would be delicious anytime really. I love stuffed cabbage. Voted up and BAUI, and will share! Also pinning to Awesome Hubpages.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Au fait, for voting this up, sharing and pinning. I am tempted to make this today now that the weather is cooler. I was just looking at Alice last night. (her picture that is)
I hope your day is going well.
This looks so good and I remember how yummy my first mother-in-laws stuffed cabbage was and I'm starving! Can't eat right now though, but I sure would love to have some of this!
Voting it up, BAUI, and sharing again. Also pinning to Awesome Hubpages.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Au fait for sharing this again.
Yes you are right is scrumptious when the weather is cold, chilly and wet outside.
While I'm sure this dish is scrumptious anytime, I'm thinking it's especially good and hearty when the weather is a little on the chilly side. Voted up, useful and awesome, and sharing again!
- AUTHOR
Glenda, I am so glad that you made them and enjoyed them. Thank you for the visit and the comment.
- AUTHOR
Moonlake, thank you for your comment and voting up and sharing.
My husband loves these so much, that is why I make them. They do take a bit of time. I know you would like these, especially when it is cold outside. The will warm you from the inside out.
I just made according to your hub, came out pretty good. Thank you for this.
This looks good I love cabbage rolls. Never think to make them. Thanks for sharing. Voted up and shared.
- AUTHOR
Thank you Sue for your comment up votes and sharing.
My mother-in-law made it so simple, teaching me.
--Shyron
Hi Shyron,
Thank you for sharing your Mother-in-law's cabbage roll recipe. It looks absolutely yummy.
A dear family friend tried to teach me how to make cabbage rolls. I had trouble with the rolling part. I remember her telling me to roll them and not to squish them. lol
Vote up+++ and sharing
- AUTHOR
Thanks for your comment Barbara. I had never heard of Golumpki until I met my mother-in-law.
She was very special to me.
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