Stuffed cabbage rolls with mushrooms

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Mushrooms – A Delicious Recipe for Vegetarian Dish Lovers

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of Servings: 4

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a traditional dish that evokes memories of festive meals and moments spent with loved ones. Although cabbage rolls are usually filled with meat, today I present to you a surprising and healthy variant, full of flavor: stuffed cabbage rolls with mushrooms. This dish is perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to try something different.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 500 g fresh mushrooms (champignon or shiitake)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1 cup of rice (approximately 150 g)
- 1 medium, fresh cabbage
- 250 ml tomato juice (preferably homemade)
- 2-3 sprigs of thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (optional)
- Olive oil or sunflower oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

A Bit of History:

Stuffed cabbage rolls have a rich history that has evolved over time. Although each culture has its own version, the essence of this dish lies in filling cabbage leaves with a delicious mixture. In this recipe, mushrooms bring a deep flavor and interesting texture, turning the cabbage rolls into a vegetarian delight.

Step by Step to Get Perfect Cabbage Rolls:

1. Preparing the Cabbage:
Start by blanching the cabbage. Boil a large pot of salted water. When the water starts to boil, add the whole cabbage and let it boil for about 5-7 minutes until the leaves become slightly flexible. Remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool. Once cooled, carefully peel off the leaves, making sure not to tear them. It’s best to choose the outer leaves, which are larger, to wrap the filling.

2. Preparing the Filling:
Clean and finely chop the onion. In a large skillet, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. At this point, add the diced mushrooms. It is essential to use fresh mushrooms, as they will give a better taste to the dish. Sauté the mushrooms together with the onion until the water released by the mushrooms evaporates completely. Add the grated carrot and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.

3. Finalizing the Filling:
Once the mushroom and carrot mixture is ready, add the washed rice, salt, pepper, and chopped dill. Mix all the ingredients well and let them cool slightly so that it is easier to work with the filling.

4. Filling the Cabbage Leaves:
Take a cabbage leaf and place a tablespoon of the mushroom mixture in the center. Fold the side edges of the leaf over the filling and roll the leaf from the base to the tip, forming a cabbage roll. Repeat this process until the filling is finished.

5. Cooking the Cabbage Rolls:
Place the cabbage rolls in a large pot, arranging them tightly but carefully to prevent them from breaking. Between the rolls, you can add sprigs of thyme, which will provide an unmistakable aroma. Mix the tomato juice with a teaspoon of salt and water, then pour it over the cabbage rolls so that they are completely covered. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 40-45 minutes. Cabbage rolls with mushrooms cook faster than those with meat, so be attentive!

6. Serving:
Stuffed cabbage rolls with mushrooms are served warm, alongside sour cream or yogurt, depending on your preference. You can also add some fresh dill leaves for a more appetizing look. If desired, you can accompany the dish with a summer salad or hot polenta.

Useful Tips:

- If using pickled cabbage, wash the leaves before using them to reduce acidity.
- You can experiment with other vegetables in the filling, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
- Cabbage rolls can be frozen, so you can prepare a larger quantity and enjoy them whenever you want.

Nutritional Benefits:

These stuffed cabbage rolls with mushrooms are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, while cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable rich in vitamin C. A serving provides approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil and sour cream added.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use canned mushrooms?
It is recommended to use fresh mushrooms for better flavor, but if you don’t have any, canned mushrooms can be an alternative.

2. How can I make the cabbage rolls spicier?
Add some chopped hot pepper to the filling for an extra kick of flavor.

3. Can I prepare them a day in advance?
Yes, the cabbage rolls can be prepared a day in advance, and the flavor will become even more intense as they sit.

4. What can I serve with the cabbage rolls?
These cabbage rolls pair wonderfully with warm polenta and a fresh vegetable salad.

I hope this recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls with mushrooms brings you joy in the kitchen and on your plate. Experiment with the ingredients and adapt the recipe to your taste. Enjoy your meal!