Flavorful Vegan Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Hearty and Delicious Dish

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings:

• Serves 4-6

These Flavorful Vegan Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Filled with a savory mixture of rice, lentils, and vegetables, and baked in a rich tomato sauce, these cabbage rolls are both satisfying and nutritious. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this comforting dish!

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 cup of cooked brown rice or quinoa
• 1 cup of cooked lentils (green or brown)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head.
2. Place the cabbage head in the boiling water and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the outer leaves are tender and pliable. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool slightly.
3. Gently peel off 12-15 large leaves and set them aside. If the inner leaves are not tender, return the cabbage to the boiling water and cook for a few more minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the cooked brown rice or quinoa and cooked lentils.
4. Add the chopped fresh parsley, dried thyme, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
5. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors are well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place a cabbage leaf on a clean surface and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of the leaf.
3. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up from the bottom to create a neat roll. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
4. Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
5. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake the Cabbage Rolls

1. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls, making sure they are well coated.
2. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the filling is heated through.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove the cabbage rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
2. Serve the cabbage rolls hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
3. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish!

Tips and Variations:

• Extra Protein: Add some chopped nuts or seeds to the filling for added protein and texture.
• Different Grains: Substitute the rice or quinoa with barley, millet, or couscous for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or the tomato sauce for a bit of heat.
• Freezing: These cabbage rolls freeze well. Assemble and bake as directed, then cool completely and freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before serving.

These Flavorful Vegan Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a wonderful way to enjoy a hearty and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender cabbage leaves, savory filling, and rich tomato sauce creates a comforting dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the wholesome and delicious flavors of this delightful recipe. Happy cooking!