Stuffed cabbage rolls and bell peppers with turkey meat and mushrooms

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls and Peppers with Turkey and Mushrooms

A delicious and comforting recipe, stuffed cabbage rolls and peppers with turkey and mushrooms are a perfect choice for family meals or special occasions. This recipe combines the flavor of turkey, which is lighter than pork, with the firm texture of mushrooms and the unmistakable aroma of fresh vegetables. Get ready to discover a unique twist on a traditional dish that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 1 kg ground turkey
- 1 small jar of whole mushrooms (or 300 g fresh mushrooms)
- 6-7 large onions
- 4 carrots
- 3/4 cup rice
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 bunch dill
- 2 bunches parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 5-6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 eggs
- 10 small peppers (or bell peppers)
- 2 cabbages
- Borscht, to taste

Useful Tools

- Deep frying pan
- Large pot for boiling
- Large mixing bowl
- Grater
- Meat grinder (if using fresh mushrooms)
- Spatula for lifting the cabbage rolls

A Brief History of the Recipe

Cabbage rolls are a traditional dish that combines vegetables with meat, frequently served at festive meals. Over time, cabbage rolls have been prepared with various types of meat, and the addition of mushrooms gives them a unique flavor and texture. Using turkey meat is a modern, healthier choice that is popular among those looking to reduce their fat intake.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by cleaning and washing the onions, carrots, and bell pepper. Finely chop the onion, grate the carrots, and finely grate the bell pepper. These vegetables will add a delicious flavor to your filling.

2. Cooking the vegetables
In a deep frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the grated carrot and bell pepper, continuing to cook for another 5-7 minutes until softened.

3. Preparing the rice
Rinse the rice in two or three waters, then let it soak in warm water for 5 minutes. This will allow it to absorb the flavors of the vegetables and cook evenly.

4. Mixing the filling
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey with the cooked vegetables, drained rice, chopped mushrooms (or mushrooms from the jar), finely chopped dill and parsley, salt, pepper, tomato paste, basil, and eggs. Mix the ingredients well until the mixture is uniform.

5. Preparing the peppers
Wash the small peppers and carefully remove the stems without breaking them. Shake out the seeds and fill each pepper with the meat mixture.

6. Preparing the cabbage
Boil water in a large pot. Wash the cabbages and remove the cores. Place one cabbage in the boiling water, core side down, turning it after 2-3 minutes. Carefully remove the leaves, allowing them to cool.

7. Filling the cabbage rolls
Take a cabbage leaf, place a tablespoon of the mixture inside, and fold it carefully. Ensure the filling is well sealed. If you have torn cabbage leaves, you can chop them up and add them to the pot with the rolls.

8. Assembling the dish
In a large pot, place a layer of chopped cabbage, then add the stuffed cabbage rolls and peppers. Add bay leaves and sprigs of dill among them. Cover everything with another layer of chopped cabbage, then pour warm water until it reaches the level of the rolls.

9. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pot in the oven and let it simmer for about 1 hour. After that, reduce the temperature to 150 degrees Celsius and continue cooking for another hour, allowing the rolls to absorb all the flavors.

10. Serving
Once the cabbage rolls are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, with sour cream or a spoonful of borscht, to taste.

Helpful Tips

- Storing cabbage rolls: If you've made a larger batch, cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for later consumption.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, and add other vegetables to the filling, like zucchini or pumpkin.
- Serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with warm polenta and a summer salad.

Nutritional Benefits

Turkey meat is an excellent source of lean protein, containing less fat than pork or beef. Additionally, mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients. Cabbages and vegetables add fiber and vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, chicken is an excellent option and will provide a similar flavor.

- How can I make the cabbage rolls more sour?
You can add a bit of borscht or lemon juice during cooking to achieve a tangy note.

- What other side dishes can I serve with them?
Polenta is a traditional accompaniment, but a tomato and onion salad also makes a delicious combination.

Conclusion

Stuffed cabbage rolls and peppers with turkey and mushrooms are a healthy and delicious variation of a classic dish. Not only will they delight your taste buds, but they will also bring warmth to your family table. Try this recipe and enjoy every bite with your loved ones. Bon appétit!