Skillet Golumpki

It seems like every part of Europe has their version of a cabbage roll, our polish family members call them Golumpki.  The traditional version is delicious, but also time consuming.  Here is a simplified version that can be made in a skillet in under 45 minutes.  Peppers and carrots are not normally found in Golumpki, I just saw an opportunity to sneak in some extra veggies.

You may also notice that there isn't a picture of the finished product.  There is a good reason for that.  The pictures just didn't do it justice!  Seriously.  It is delicious.  Try it.

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup coarsely chopped onions
1 small green pepper
1 medium carrot
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup milk
6 cups of coarsely chopped cabbage
8 oz can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar or raw sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce

In a large skillet, brown hamburger with the onions.  Pulse the carrot and peppers in a food processor until finely chopped.  Add peppers, carrots, brown rice, salt and pepper to the browned hamburger.

Notice how finely chopped the carrots and peppers are?
That's what you want... we're trying to hide them :) 

Whisk the egg and milk together in a small bowl.  Add to the hamburger mixture while stirring.  This is important because you don't want to end up with fried egg in the bottom of the pan, you want it sticking to all the delicious bits of burger.

Next, add the coarsely chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice and worcestershire sauce.  Stir to combine.  Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.  Serves 6-8.

Fresh Tomato Soup

Fall is here and we are all starting to crave warm comfort food.  Here is a simple recipe for homemade tomato soup.  Make with fresh, local tomatoes or grab canned if you are in a crunch.  I'll admit, it does sound like a daunting task, but keep reading and find out just how simple it is to make.  

3 medium tomatoes, peeled and quartered
-OR-
1 can of tomatoes, cut up (couldn't be easier, right?!?)

1 cup water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley or (2 teaspoons dried)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon raw sugar
1 small hot pepper, chopped (optional)
salt to taste

If desired, seed the fresh tomatoes.  In a large saucepan combine fresh tomatoes or undrained canned tomatoes, water, onion, celery, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, raw sugar and pepper.  Bring to boiling; reduce heat.  Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or till celery and onions are very tender.  Cool slightly.

Place half of the tomato mixture in a blender or food processor.  Blend until smooth.  Repeat with the remaining mixture.  Return all to the saucepan and heat through.  Makes about 4 cups.

Time saving tip:  Make a double or triple batch!  Freeze in canning jars for a quick meal.