Braised stuffed cabbage

Discover this authentic Polish Braised stuffed cabbage recipe — a quick and easy dish that's an impressive dish that showcases your cooking skills. Made with cabbage leaves, olive oil, onion and 8 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 3 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this polish classic is sure to impress.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026

20

Prep Time (min)

5

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

330

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Braised stuffed cabbage

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 6 large Cabbage Leaves
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 chopped Onion
  • 2 tsp Rosemary
  • 1 chopped Celery
  • 140 g Basmati Rice
  • 140 g Cooked Chestnut
  • 50 g Cranberry
  • 300 ml Vegetable Stock
  • 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Clear Honey

Instructions

3 steps · ~58 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Remove the tough central stalk from the cabbage leaves. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, add the cabbage, then cook for just 1-2 mins until the leaves are starting to wilt. Drain and refresh under cold running water. Drain well, then pat dry with a tea towel.

    25 minutes
    Use a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.
  2. Step 2

    Heat the oil in a pan, add the onion, then fry for 5 mins until slightly browned. Add the rosemary and celery, then cook for 8 mins more. Stir in the rice, then cook for a min or so until the grains are glistening. Remove from the heat, stir in the chestnuts and cranberries, then season.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  3. Step 3

    Spoon a little stuffing onto a cabbage leaf, roll up and fold in the sides to enclose the filling. Put in a single layer in a large, oiled, shallow ovenproof dish with the join underneath. Fill the remaining leaves in the same way. Mix the stock, vinegar and honey, then pour over the cabbage. Cover the dish tightly with foil, bake for 1 hr, uncover, then cook for a further 15 mins.

    25 minutes
    Always preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Polish recipe for Braised stuffed cabbage is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Gluten-free: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives or zucchini noodles. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Polish cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your polish meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Braised stuffed cabbage is a beloved dish from Polish cuisine, originating in Poland. With a total preparation time of about 25 minutes, it's a quick and easy option for any day of the week.

Polish cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 11 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Savoy cabbage or green cabbage are ideal for braising stuffed cabbage due to their tender leaves that roll easily and hold the filling.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories330kcal
Total Fat15g
Sodium479mg
Total Carbohydrates36g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein40g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisinePolish
CategoryDinner
CountryPoland