My grandmother came to America in 1900 from Galicia, which later became Poland. She was my fancy grandma, very different from my grandmother from Naples.

My Polish grandma had beautiful Austrian cut crystal and hand blown perfume decanters that I cherish. She wore a French perfume called Shalimar and had a beautiful fur coat. She also cooked very different foods - there were no Spaghetti and Meatballs in her kitchen, instead it was Pierogi, Kielbasa and Golumpki.

Today, I called my brother John and asked him how to make stuffed cabbage. He is a great cook and I often consult with him on a recipe. He told me he didn't make Stuffed Cabbage 'Golumpki' anymore, he used the same ingredients to make a thick soup. This is his recipe... it's off the chain. Super delicious. The best part is that its EASY... Stuffed Cabbage used to take hours... this is bubbling in the pot in 20 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, cut into fine dice
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/4 pounds meatloaf mix, which is a beef pork combination (if not available in your store, you can use all beef)
  • 2 tablespoons regular or sweet paprika (not smoked or hot varieties)
  • One 28 ounce can tomato sauce
  • One 32 ounce carton chicken broth
  • One envelope Lipton Onion Soup Mix
  • a 16 ounce bag of Cole Slaw Mix - shredded cabbage with carrots
  • Kosher salt and lots of freshly ground pepper
  • One 16 ounce package sauerkraut, drained
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, optional but delicious, do not use fat free as it contains starch thickeners

Instructions

  • Sauté the onion and garlic in the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium high heat until very soft and tender.
  • Add the meat and cook until well browned, breaking up with a wooden spoon.
  • Add the tomato sauce, broth, soup mix and shredded cabbage. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer until cabbage is very tender, 35 to 45 minutes.
  • Add the sauerkraut and cook an additional 20 minutes.
  • Season with salt if needed and black pepper to taste.
  • Ladle into bowls and serve with a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
June 28, 2023
Bariatric Recipes Advice, Rants & Support Podcast: Real Talk