Easy Unstuffed Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Meatballs

Unstuffed Sweet and Sour Cabbage with meatballs is a traditional Eastern Jewish recipe. Hearty and perfect for a cold winter’s day, I hope you enjoy this classic.

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If you’ve never had Unstuffed Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Meatballs, I suggest it’s time you try it! 

This classic Eastern European dish found under names like Holishkes or Golumpkis, is hearty, satisfying, and perfect to keep you warm on a cold winter day. 

Prepared in a one-pot way, the essential flavors of this old world recipe taste even better the next day. 

The flavors continue to build over time. It doesn’t get better than this!

Though I turned up my nose at the soup part when I was a wee one, I did manage to devour the meat balls. Isn’t that the best part?

As a child, we never ate stuffed peppers and we never had stuffed cabbage.

In fact, I don’t remember my mother stuffing anything!

The funny thing about this great recipe is that the real title is unstuffed cabbage.  I imagine that is versus stuffed cabbage.

The meatballs are what I believe would be stuffed inside the cabbage leaves. Except just as a ground beef mixture.

Why I Love Unstuffed Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Meatballs

Well, I don’t know about you, but I think this recipe is a whole lot easier than stuffing cabbage leaves and certainly a lot faster! 

Next time you’re craving something warm and cozy on a cold winter day, try these unstuffed cabbage rolls with meatballs.

I love how this soup makes the house smell; so homey and comforting.

The unstuffed Sweet and Sour cabbage mixture with meatballs is what many may consider a soup. 

The sweetness comes from the tomato sauce, honey, and sugar while the lemon taste and salt contribute to the sour sauce. 

For best results, sour salt can be used to furnish the sour taste element in sweet/sour dishes like this one. 

The soup thickens quite fast, the softer the shredded cabbage becomes.

So, the more it simmers, the thicker it gets. If you want it soupier, just add more liquid.

I have a hard time thinking of this as unstuffed cabbage when it is really just cabbage and meatballs.

Let’s call this what it is!

There are so many versions of stuffed cabbage or cabbage soup but this sweet and sour version which is simple, filling, and tasty beats them all.  

You get the taste of fresh cabbage, tangy tomato sauce, and sour meatballs without the hassle of rolling up individual cabbage rolls. 

Tips When Making this Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Meatballs

• I have made the meatballs with turkey, but have not tried ground chicken. Ground beef holds together the best.
• Use good tomatoes. They are a key component of this recipe. Spend a little more than the store brand!
• And whatever paprika you choose to use, please make sure it is fresh. Smell it. It should smell good. The wonderful aroma from the dish will fill the kitchen and weave their way up to your nostrils. If you can’t smell anything, it isn’t fresh!  Hungarian paprika is always good. 
• Also, don’t forget lots of fresh ground pepper and crusty bread to sop up any soup on your plate when you serve this.
• And if you want to make it a bit spicier feel free to add hot paprika. 
• A great heavy medium pot or Dutch oven is always good and you know I prefer Le Creuset. However, this one is really good, too! You can also use an instant pot, pressure cooker or slow cooker for this recipe. 

Key Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Soup

Green cabbage: wash cabbage, remove the core, then chop it. 

• A large diced onion: adds rich flavor to the soup. 
• Can tangy tomato sauce: brings sweetness and adds color and flavor of a rich tomato sauce. 
• Can of whole tomatoes with tomato juice: Don’t use flavored tomatoes.
• Water: depends on how soupy you want this
• Honey: can be adjusted if you prefer it sweeter. 
• Lemon juice: I have also seen vinegar or cider vinegar used in place of lemon juice. You can add more if you want it more sour. 
• Brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness. It can be replaced with maple syrup. 
• Hungarian paprika: gives the dish character and uplifts the taste. 
• Raisins: These are optional and added after 2 hours of cooking

Meatball Ingredients

• Ground meats: use classic meat such as beef or turkey
• Worcestershire sauce: for a hint of umami flavor and tenderizing the meat. 
• Salt: To taste
• Large egg: Binds the meat mixture in place. 
• Grated onion: For flavor and texture. 
• Uncooked rice: Use white rice or replace it with breadcrumbs.  This is used to absorb the moisture and keep the meatballs tender. 

How To Make Unstuffed Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Meatballs

• Combine all soup ingredients (except raisins), in a large pot or large skillet. Mix everything with a wooden spoon. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
• While the mixture is coming to a boil, mix ground meat with the rest of the ingredients. Shape into walnut-sized balls and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up then drop into the boiling soup.
• Reduce to low-medium heat, cover, and simmer for two hours. Remove the cover and add raisins if desired. Continue cooking on low heat for 30 more minutes.
• This is where you may add more water if you prefer a more liquid soup. 
• Once done use a ladle-sized slotted spoon to serve the soup in individual bowls. Enjoy! 

This easy recipe popped into my head as something to bring to a friend of mine’s mother who is on a medically restrictive diet.

My friend was out of town and I felt like her mom could use some company.

Being me, meant that I couldn’t go empty-handed, so I brought this cabbage soup and a giant loaf of artisan bread from one of my favorite bread bakeries.

Holishkes or sweet and sour cabbage rolls is a popular Polish dish, and my friend’s mom is Polish.

Manservant was out of town and I knew this dish wasn’t something he would relish, so it was my time to make it and enjoy it without him picking around the cabbage for the small meatballs!

FAQ’s

Are you ready to try  Unstuffed Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Meatballs?

This classic Eastern European recipe is heart, satisfying and full of vibrant flavors.

It’s a delicious soup and the perfect meal to keep you warm and cozy on a cold winter day.  

More Cabbage or Meatball Recipes You’ll Love

Spaghetti and Red Wine Meatballs

Sautéed Spinach and Chickpeas with Chicken Meatballs

Vietnamese Meatball Noodle Bowls

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