Stuffed cabbage rolls with rice and mushrooms

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice and Mushrooms - A Flavorful Recipe

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a traditional dish loved by many cultures, bringing together varied flavors and delicious textures. This rice and mushroom variant is perfect for those who prefer a vegetarian option without compromising on taste. It is a simple, quick, and flavorful recipe that will add a touch of warmth to any day.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:
- 1 large pickled cabbage (ideally homemade for an authentic taste)
- 3 cups of rice (preferably long-grain for a fluffier texture)
- 1 can of mushrooms (preferably champignon, but you can also use fresh mushrooms)
- 2 tablespoons of ground thyme
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (the fresh aroma makes a difference)
- 1 carrot (for a sweet taste and vibrant color)
- 2 medium onions (for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (for a hint of acidity and color)
- 1 cup of tomato juice (for the final sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (for sautéing)

Preparation of the Cabbage Rolls:

1. Washing the Rice: Start by thoroughly washing the rice under cold running water to remove excess starch. This step is essential to prevent the grains from sticking together. Once washed, let it drain.

2. Preparing the Vegetables: Chop the onion finely and grate the carrot. These will add a wonderful flavor to your mixture.

3. Sautéing: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot, sautéing for 5 minutes until they become slightly translucent. Then, add the drained mushrooms and rice. Sauté everything together for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

4. Seasoning: Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the thyme, dill, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Mix well to integrate all the flavors. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

5. Preparing the Cabbage Leaves: Meanwhile, prepare the cabbage leaves. Choose the prettiest leaves to wrap the rolls. The less attractive leaves can be cut into strips and used as a bed for your rolls, adding extra flavor.

6. Wrapping the Rolls: Take a cabbage leaf, place a tablespoon of the rice and mushroom mixture in the center, and wrap the roll, folding in the sides. Arrange the rolls in a pot, side by side.

7. Adding the Sauce: Over the rolls, add half a cup of tomato juice and enough water to lightly cover the rolls. You can use the remaining tomato juice to complete the sauce if necessary.

8. Covering: Cover the rolls with cabbage leaves to prevent burning and to maintain moisture during baking.

9. Cooking: On the stovetop, let the rolls simmer for 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) and let them bake for about 2 hours. This process melds the flavors and ensures even cooking of the rice.

10. Serving: Once the rolls are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, alongside fresh sour cream and possibly a slice of homemade bread.

Practical Tips:
- Cabbage: If the pickled cabbage is too salty, you can rinse it under running water to reduce its intensity.
- Mushrooms: If you have fresh mushrooms, use them! They will add a more intense flavor and pleasant texture.
- Sauce: You can also add a few black peppercorns or bay leaves to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Variations: If you like a spicier taste, you can add some chopped hot pepper to the rice mixture.

Nutritional Benefits:
Stuffed cabbage rolls with rice and mushrooms are a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and plant proteins. Mushrooms provide vitamins from the B complex and minerals, being a low-calorie ingredient. A serving of rolls has about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil and sour cream used for serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use brown rice? Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time.
- What other vegetables can I add to the filling? You can experiment with carrots, zucchini, or even spinach!
- How can I store the rolls? They can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen to enjoy later.

Serving Suggestions:
These rolls pair perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or an herbal tea. Additionally, you can add a fresh green salad alongside to balance the dish.

I hope you will try this recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with rice and mushrooms and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!