My Dad's Recipe: Galumpkis (the pickled kind)

Since I am feeling particularly nostalgic today, I am going to post my dad's galumpki recipe.  The story about what they are and another recipe is actually posted here, but in honor of him- I decided that I would post his version (of course...it changed all the time, since he didn't use recipes-- and I added a couple things). BUT, it is as close as you can get!

Freshly rolled and in the pot!

3/4 lb Ground Pork, Raw
3/4 lb Ground Beef, Raw
1 C. Rice (I use brown)
2 Cups Chicken Broth
1/2 Onion, finely chopped
3 Garlic Cloves, chopped
Salt
Pepper
1 Large Jar of Pickle Juice (about 2.5- 3 Cups)
1 Green Cabbage, bottom cut off


Start cooking the rice per directions. Once done, set aside to cool.
While the rice is cooking, bring a large pot of slightly salted water to boil and add the cabbage. Cook covered for about 8 minutes or until leaves start to unravel. Remove cabbage and let cool in a colander. Reserve 1 cup of cabbage water.

In a large bowl, mix raw meat, onions and garlic. Add the rice (it doesn't need to be cool, just not hot enough to burn your hands when kneading the mixture). Season with just a touch of salt, lots of pepper and stir.

Take your first cabbage leaf , add a large spoonful of the meat mixture and fold the large part of the leaf over, tuck in the side and place fold side down in a large pot (like a burrito!). Continue until the mixture is done.

Pour the chicken broth and pickle juice over the rolls. Taste the broth- if too briny, dilute with reserved cabbage water (I never need to). Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and cover and simmer for like 2 hours.

He always made two versions....one with tomatoes, but everyone always liked the pickle one better.

Me and my dad, circa '85

Missing you today, Dad.
-e