Initially the cabbage is still bright green! I like how the red and green contrast.
A little while into the cooking, the cabbage greens are more muted.
Halupki with mashed potatoes. Dinner is served!
Where I live there are still many ethnic communities. Many of the older folks that I work with are first generation Americans. Their parents were immigrants from Slovakia or Italy, and assimilated into American culture. The recipes from the old country were often passed onto their children, my patients. As an occupational therapist I find that food is an universal language. I can often get my patients, male or female, to talk about the ethnic food of their youth....It could be spaghetti sauce or in this case, halupki. It is a way to connect with them, and I can't even begin tell you how many family recipes have been shared with me.
My grandfather's family were Slovak. Many of my patients are Slovak. I thought I'd give halupki a try. Although I've eaten it in the past, this was my first ever attempt at making it. I liked that there weren't many dishes left to wash :) I think next time I'll spice it up with more black pepper!