Unstuffed Sweet and Sour Cabbage with meatballs is a traditional Eastern European Jewish recipe. Hearty and perfect for a cold winter’s day, I hope you enjoy this classic.
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.
I love the meatballs in this! Full of flavor, they truly add to the heartiness and flavor of the cabbage soup.
Table of contents
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.
In stuffed cabbage, the meat mixture is stuffed inside the cabbage leaves. I think this recipe saves time and I prefer cabbage soup with meatballs instead of cabbage rolls!
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 sweet and sour cabbage recipe.
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 contributes to the sour sauce.
Older recipes used sour salt but I have never used sour salt in my lifetime and wouldn't even know where to find it.
The soup thickens quite fast, as the shredded cabbage cooks down.
So, the more it simmers, the thicker it gets. If you want it soupier, add more liquid.
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 meatballs without the hassle of rolling up individual cabbage rolls.
Questions About Cabbage Soup
The combination of lemon juice, brown sugar and honey contribute to the sweet and sour flavor.
Many traditions take the cabbage leaf and fill them with the meat mixture. This recipe does not require that step as little meatballs are made instead. Think of this as deconstructed cabbage rolls! There is no need to blanch the cabbage leaves and this recipe requires no seperate cooking of the meatballs.
Polish cabbage rolls are more savory and are usually not of the sweet and sour version.
Wonderful bread and butter! For a heartier meal serve over wide egg noodles or mashed potatoes. And my dad always had a side of pickles!
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 is traditional, but use what works for you.
- Use good tomatoes. They are a key component of this recipe. Spend a little more than the store brand!
- Whatever paprika you choose to use, please make sure it is fresh. Smell it. It should smell good. 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 soak up any soup on your plate.
- If you want to make unstuffed cabbage a bit spicier feel free to add hot paprika. Smoked paprika would also add a new dimension. Just remember cabbage can take a lot of seasoning. Don't skimp!
- 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 slice it into thin ribbons. It can also be chopped.
- A large diced onion: adds rich flavor to the soup.
- Tomato sauce: brings sweetness and adds color and flavor.
- Can of whole tomatoes with tomato juice: Don't use flavored tomatoes.
- Water: depends on how soupy you want this. Chicken, beef or vegetable broth may also be used.
- Honey and Brown Sugar: can be adjusted if you prefer it sweeter.
- Lemon juice: Vinegar may be used in place of lemon juice. Add more if you want it more sour.
- Hungarian paprika: Stays true to the origins of this dish and is my personal favorite
- Raisins: These are optional and added after 2 hours of cooking
Meatball Ingredients
- Ground meat: any ground meat will work
- 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. This is used to absorb the moisture and keep the meatballs tender and will cook along with the meatballs
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.
- At this point you may add more water or broth if you prefer a more liquid soup.
The Story Behind My Soup
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!
Are you ready to try Unstuffed Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Meatballs?
This classic Eastern European recipe is hearty, satisfying and full of vibrant flavors.
It's a delicious soup and the perfect meal to keep you warm on a cold winter day.
I'd love to hear if you make this recipe!
Please share a review or rate the recipe,
and be sure to tag me on social!
Recipe
Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Meatballs (Unstuffed)
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 2:45 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 8 - 10 Servings 1x
- Category: Soup/Stews
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Jewish
Description
Unstuffed Sweet and Sour Cabbage is a traditional Eastern European Jewish dish. Hearty and perfect for a cold winter's day, I hope you enjoy this classic.
Ingredients
1 large diced onion
2 lbs green cabbage, cored and chopped
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 28 oz can tomatoes with juice
1 c water or more depending on how soupy you want this
¼ c honey
¼ c lemon juice
⅓ c brown sugar
1 t Hungarian paprika
¼ c raisins optional and added after 2 hours of cooking
Meatballs
1 lb ground beef or turkey
2 t Worcestershire sauce
½ t salt or to taste
1 egg
½ c grated onion
½ c uncooked white rice
Instructions
Combine all soup ingredients, except raisins in a large stock pot. Bring to a boil.
While mixture is coming to a boil, mix the meatball ingredients together. Shape into walnut sized balls and drop into boiling soup.
Reduce heat, cover and simmer for two hours. Remove cover and add raisins if desired. Continue cooking for 30 more minutes.
This is where you may want to add more water if you like a more liquid soup.
I serve this dish with lots of freshly ground black pepper and lots of bread and butter!
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. They can also be frozen for up to 4 months. Be sure to thaw before reheating.
More Cabbage Recipes
Cabbage Salad with Lemon Maple Dressing and Dried Cherries
Waldo says
I love this recipe but I turn it into a soup by adding some extra liquid (I use broth). I also embellish the stock with a few things from my mom's stuffed cabbage recipe....some crushed gingersnaps thicken the broth slightly and flavor it and a bit of ketchup! I use ground turkey and par boiled long grain brown rice in my meatballs and it is delicious!
Abbe says
Sounds so good! I will have to try it!Thanks for commenting!
sherry says
i love cabbage and i love meatballs. yummo. turkey meatballs are always a hit with me, but i find chicken doesn't make good ones. too sloppy, too bland...
Abbe says
Whatever you use, I think you will love this comforting dish!
2 Sisters Recipes says
We love this dish- so glad you repost it!! It’s on our list to make - thanks Abbe!! Have a great weekend!
Abbe says
It is a good one! Hope you enjoy!
Balvinder says
I love cabbage balls in a curry...would love to try some with meat in it.
Abbe says
This is a good Jewish recipe which means you should like it!
sippitysup says
I swear just looking at the pictures is chasing away for good the cold I've been fighting all week. GREG
Abbe says
Please do not send it this way. Feel better soon!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I love stuffed cabbage rolls so I know that I would enjoy your sweet and sour cabbage with meatballs. Much easier than making the rolls.
Beth says
Whatever you call it, it looks like the perfect cool-weather dinner!
Bam's Kitchen says
Warming and comforting dish! Perfect for fall!
mjskit says
Sweet and sour cabbage is something that I've acquired a taste for as I've gotten older. I still haven't made them at home, so I greatly appreciate your recipe! That big bowl of goodness is calling my name!
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
There are so many wonderful things about this recipe that I'm anxious to try it! I have a large half of a green cabbage in the frig and this would be a perfect way to use it. I also have homemade tomato sauce in the freezer that would work great. I've never made meatballs with rice before so looking forward to trying something new! Thanks, Abbe!
La Table De Nana says
How thoughtful of you! Lookin' good to me:)
Sharon D says
I like that you're calling it as it is, Abbe. Certainly less confusing! This is what I would call a feel-good dish - good for the soul because I know I'd feel really satisfied eating this. ^.^
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Hi Abbe, I love how your mom put this dish together, sounds wonderful and comforting.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I am pinning this one Abbe - I just love cabbage and this sounds wonderful. It is also a very pretty dish - great shots!
Carol at Wild Goose Mama says
Wow, I never never never would have thought of meatballs and cabbage. I am a heavy duty meatball lover. I love pasta, but hey pasta loves me too----tooooooo much. The cabbage lets me enjoy my
meatballs. Seasoning is over the top.
Nagi@RecipeTinEats says
I love that this is your mother's recipe! This looks wonderful, and it's something different to my usual too. Thank you for sharing!
Adri says
This sounds wonderful!
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
Pinned! This sounds wonderful Abbe.
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
This looks and sounds absolutely delish, Abbe. Cabbage stuffed meat balls are an awesome idea.
Angie Schneider says
Unstuffed cabbage sounds like a fun name for this delicious dish, Abbe. My husband is a huge fan of meatball dishes and this might even trick him to eat some cabbages. A great recipe, Abbe.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Give him the meatballs and you eat the cabbage. Thanks, Angie!
Holly @ abakershouse.com says
I've not made stuffed cabbage but this un-stuffed version looks like something perfect to have on a cold day.I love that soup season is starting! Jeans and sweaters are also right around the corner which sound so cozy!
Abbe Odenwalder says
You are right Holly. This si a good one to have for those cool days.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I wouldn't have eaten this as a kid because I couldn't stand the smell of cooked cabbage. As an adult, this would make a nifty meal!
Abbe Odenwalder says
It did have a smell, didn't it? I think this is not so bad because of all the goodness in there!
Adam J. Holland says
Wow! That's just like unstuffed cabbage! (Sorry. Couldn't resist.) This looks really good — and I'm not usually a sweet and sour type of guy ... just mostly sour. 😉
Abbe Odenwalder says
Don't be sour Adam. But without sour, we wouldn't know sweet would we? Your bride will be with you soon enough!
Kitchen Riffs says
I'm actually working on a recipe for deconstructed stuffed cabbage! Might just as well call it cabbage and meatballs. 😉 This looks like a fun recipe, and certainly has loads of flavor. Too bad about your cold -- hope it's past tense soon!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Can't wait to see it John! This is a pretty standard Jewish dish. Haven't had a cold in a long time and I'm ready to say good bye!
Liz Berg says
My mom made stuffed cabbage leaves as my dad seemed to enjoy them. I remember eating them, but must not have loved them since I've never felt the need to hunt down the recipe 🙂 Your version sounds a bit more complex and quite tasty! Now I'm wondering what Bill would think! Hope your cold dissipates soon!!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Like I said I was never fond of things stuffed in leaves! But this is so much easier and in my opinion, so much better! It is perfect for a cool day!
Karen Harris says
Mmmmmm, I remember you talking about this the other day. Looks fantastic! I love stuffed cabbage, so this is definitely going on my to make list.
Abbe Odenwalder says
You will love it Karen! if only it would start to get chilly!
Pam says
This is one great recipe, Abbe, pinned it! I love cabbage also and with meatballs, even better, never thought of doing that. It will be a hit here. That's was super nice of you to make this for your friend's mother, and bread too, nice! Hope you're over your cold shortly. Take care
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Pam! I haven't had a cold in a long time so I am ready to get rid of it! It was so nice to visit with my friend's mom and even better that I could leave this for her!