Stuffed cabbage rolls with soy

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Soy and Chicken – A Healthy and Satisfying Delicacy

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a traditional dish, beloved by many, that always brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth to the soul. This recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with soy and chicken is a healthy variant, perfect for those looking to explore new flavors or reduce their red meat consumption. By following this recipe step by step, you will achieve delicious rolls, full of flavor and texture.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 120 minutes
Total time: 150 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

- 300 g minced chicken
- 100 g soy (granules)
- 200 g rice
- 2 medium onions
- 1 large carrot
- 1 tablespoon pepper paste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Oil (for sautéing)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Thyme (dried or fresh)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Pickled cabbage leaves or vine leaves (enough to fill)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing the cabbage leaves. If using pickled cabbage, place the leaves in a bowl of cold water to reduce the saltiness, letting them soak for about 30 minutes. This step is essential to balance the flavor of the rolls.

2. Hydrating the soy: In another bowl, add the soy granules and cover them with warm water. Let them hydrate for 20 minutes. The soy will absorb the water and swell, providing a pleasant texture to the mixture.

3. Preparing the filling: In a frying pan, heat a few tablespoons of oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Add the grated carrot and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Adding flavors: When the onion and carrot are sautéed, add the pepper paste and tomato paste. Let the mixture sauté together for 5 minutes until the flavors blend. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.

5. Combining the ingredients: In a larger bowl, add the minced chicken, well-drained soy, washed rice (in several waters to remove excess starch), the onion and carrot mixture, finely chopped dill and parsley, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the flour and mix well until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

6. Filling the leaves: Squeeze the cabbage leaves to remove excess water and, if necessary, remove the stem. On each leaf, add a tablespoon of the prepared mixture and roll tightly, being careful to tuck in the edges to prevent the filling from leaking.

7. Placing in the pot: In a large pot, place a few cabbage leaves and sprigs of thyme on the bottom to prevent the rolls from burning. Arrange the rolls in layers, and between layers, you can add a few sprigs of thyme for extra flavor.

8. Boiling: Add enough water to completely cover the rolls. Cover the pot with aluminum foil or a suitable lid and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Let the rolls bake for about 2 hours until they become tender and full of flavor.

Practical Tips:

- Choosing the meat: Chicken is leaner and healthier than other types of meat, but if you prefer a stronger flavor, you can combine 300 g of chicken with 100 g of pork.

- Filling varieties: You can experiment by adding chopped mushrooms or vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to make the mixture more interesting.

- Serving: Stuffed cabbage rolls are usually served with sour cream and hot peppers. You can also add a few slices of fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

- Storage: If you made several servings, the rolls can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for later consumption.

Nutritional Benefits:

This recipe offers a good balance of protein from the meat and soy, carbohydrates from the rice, and fiber from the vegetables. Additionally, the greens add vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use brown rice? Yes, brown rice is a healthy alternative, but it will require a longer cooking time.

- How can I make the rolls spicier? You can add chopped hot peppers to the mixture or hot paprika.

- What can I do if I don’t have cabbage leaves? You can use vine leaves or even spinach leaves for an easier variant.

Conclusion:

Stuffed cabbage rolls with soy and chicken are an excellent choice for a healthy meal full of flavor and tradition. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also give you the chance to experiment in the kitchen. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or for a family dinner, stuffed cabbage rolls with soy are always a wise choice. Try them and enjoy every bite!