Stuffed cabbage rolls with greens

Stuffed vine leaves with greens – a recipe full of flavors, healthy and easy to prepare, that will transform every meal into a feast! These stuffed leaves are not just a culinary delight, but also a wonderful way to bring together fresh and healthy ingredients in a dish that will warm you on cooler days.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg fresh lamb's quarters
- 6 green onions
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 egg (optional, for the vegan version, you can omit it)
- 260 g rice
- 3 heaping tablespoons of wheat semolina
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Vine leaves or chard leaves for wrapping

For blanching the vine/chard leaves:
- 500 ml water
- 100 ml borscht
- 2-3 tablespoons vinegar

Step by step for the stuffed vine leaves with greens:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Choose a large pot so that you can blanch all the vine or chard leaves in one batch.

2. Blanching the lamb's quarters: Wash the lamb's quarters well, remove the stems and place them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for softening the lamb's quarters, making them easier to chop later. After blanching, remove the lamb's quarters into cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, squeeze out the excess water and chop finely.

3. Blanching the vine leaves: Wash the vine or chard leaves. Blanch them for 1-2 minutes in the prepared boiling water with borscht and vinegar. This mixture not only helps soften the leaves but also gives them a special flavor. After blanching, place them in cold water to cool, and then let them drain.

4. Preparing the filling: In a pot, heat the oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, then add the tomato paste. Mix well and cook until the onion softens. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lamb's quarters, rice, sautéed onion, egg, semolina, finely chopped parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix everything carefully until well combined.

5. Forming the stuffed leaves: Take a vine or chard leaf and place it on your palm. Put a tablespoon of the filling mixture near the inner edge of your palm. Fold the sides of the leaf, then roll the leaf towards the tip of your palm to form a compact cylinder. Gently press the ends to seal the stuffed leaf.

6. Cooking the stuffed leaves: In a deep pot, place a plate at the bottom to prevent the stuffed leaves from sticking. Arrange the stuffed leaves in layers, being careful not to leave too much space between them. Fill with warm water until the stuffed leaves are covered. You can add a few vine leaves on top for extra flavor. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on medium heat for 30-40 minutes.

Serving suggestions: These stuffed leaves are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them with fresh sour cream and a tomato salad or a yogurt garlic sauce, which will add a refreshing touch. A slice of fresh bread will perfectly complete the meal.

Vegan version: If you want to make a vegan version, simply omit the egg from the recipe. The filling will remain just as tasty and nutritious.

Nutritional benefits: Lamb's quarters are rich in vitamins and minerals, being an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and iron. Rice provides complex carbohydrates, while the greens add fiber and antioxidants. This recipe is not only delicious but also very healthy!

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of greens? Yes, you can experiment with spinach or nettles, which will provide a different but equally tasty flavor.
- How can I store leftover stuffed leaves? The stuffed leaves can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop.
- What is the best method to cook stuffed leaves? Boiling is the traditional method, but you can also try baking for a more intense flavor.

These stuffed vine leaves with greens are a perfect choice for a family meal, but also for special occasions. I encourage you to try them and share this recipe with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!