vegan Stuffed Cabbage rolls
Ingredients:
For the cabbage rolls:
- 1 large cabbage head
- 1 cup of cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup of cooked lentils or your choice of protein (e.g., mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the tomato sauce:
- 2 cups of crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core of the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water. Boil for 3-5 minutes until the outer leaves are soft and pliable. Remove the leaves as they become tender, and set them aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté for a few minutes until they become translucent.
- Add the grated carrot and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked rice, cooked lentils (or your choice of protein), crushed tomatoes, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
- Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the filling mixture at the base (the rib end) of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling and then roll it up tightly, similar to a burrito. Place the cabbage roll seam side down in a large baking dish. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls in the baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the cabbage rolls are tender.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the oven, and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy your vegan stuffed cabbage rolls! They’re flavorful, nutritious, and perfect for a satisfying plant-based meal.
