Balandėliai (Lithuanian Cabbage Rolls in Sweet Tomato & Sour Cream Sauce) – Authentic Lithuania Recipe
"Little Doves": tender cabbage rolls baked in a rosy, comforting tomato and sour cream sauce.
- Country of Origin
- 🇱🇹 Lithuania (Northern Europe, Europe)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 25 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Tender savoy cabbage leaves, Minced pork/beef and rice filling, Velvety tomato-sour cream gravy, Fresh dill, Sweet paprika
Ingredients for Balandėliai (Lithuanian Cabbage Rolls in Sweet Tomato & Sour Cream Sauce) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tender savoy cabbage leaves, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups minced pork/beef and rice filling, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup velvety tomato-sour cream gravy
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh dill
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Lithuania seasoning (sweet paprika, bay leaf, garlic)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Finely chop or mash tender savoy cabbage leaves and mix in a bowl with fresh dill, sweet paprika, bay leaf, garlic, and a pinch of salt to form a savory filling.
- Portion or fold the seasoned mixture with minced pork/beef and rice filling into neat traditional parcels, dumplings, or patties.
- Heat a heavy skillet with oil over medium heat or bring a steamer/broth pot to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the parcels for 12–15 minutes until tender and cooked through (crisping the bottoms in the skillet if desired).
- Spoon velvety tomato-sour cream gravy generously over the top and serve warm.