Lenten cabbage rolls (with mashed beans and mushrooms)

Lenten cabbage rolls with bulgur and mushrooms - A delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total: 3 hours
Servings: 6

Discover the magic of lentil cabbage rolls with bulgur and mushrooms, a recipe that combines tradition with innovation. This delicious combination not only satisfies your hunger but also brings a touch of freshness and flavor to your plate. Cabbage rolls are a symbol of hospitality and kindness, and the addition of mushrooms offers a unique texture and intense flavor.

Ingredients:
- 1 large white onion
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 250 g bulgur (whole grains such as wheat or barley, very healthy)
- 400 g mushrooms (fresh, of any type you prefer: champignon, oyster)
- 2 tablespoons of pepper paste (this adds a slightly sweet and colorful taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 pickled cabbage (carefully chosen for a special taste)
- 500 ml water (to cover the cabbage rolls during boiling)

The history of cabbage rolls is fascinating, with deep roots in traditional cuisine, prepared in various forms over time. They symbolize not only food but also moments spent with loved ones at festive meals. This lentil cabbage roll recipe is perfect for preparing during fasting days or simply to bring a touch of variety to your diet.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the cabbage: Start by soaking the pickled cabbage in cold water for an hour. This step helps reduce saltiness and acidity, preparing the leaves for easy separation. After an hour, rinse the cabbage well under cold running water and carefully separate the leaves, keeping them intact. These will be the base of your cabbage rolls.

2. Preparing the filling: Clean the onion and rinse it under cold water. Chop it finely. This will add flavor to the filling. In a pan, heat 100 ml of oil over medium heat and sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.

3. Adding the mushrooms: Wash the mushrooms and drain them well. Chop them finely, then add them to the pan with the onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms become slightly golden and release their flavors.

4. Incorporating the bulgur: Add the bulgur to the pan, mixing well to combine with the onion and mushrooms. This ingredient brings a pleasant texture, rich in fiber and nutrients. Then add the pepper paste, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cook for 5 minutes, stirring periodically.

5. Forming the cabbage rolls: Take a cabbage leaf and place a tablespoon of the mushroom and bulgur filling in the center. Wrap the leaf around the filling, folding the edges to form a proper cabbage roll. Repeat this process until the filling is exhausted.

6. Cooking the cabbage rolls: Chop some leftover cabbage leaves and place them at the bottom of a large pot to prevent the cabbage rolls from sticking. Arrange the cabbage rolls in layers in the pot and cover them with a few whole cabbage leaves. Add 500 ml of water to cover the cabbage rolls and let them simmer on low heat for about 2 hours.

7. Serving: Serve the cabbage rolls hot, alongside fresh or pickled hot peppers. These will add a spicy note and a pleasant contrast to the rich flavor of the cabbage rolls.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of mushrooms to add variety to the recipe. Shiitake or porcini mushrooms can provide a more intense flavor.
- Make sure to use quality pickled cabbage that has a balanced taste - not too salty, but also not too sour.
- If you want to enrich the recipe, you can add fresh or dried dill to the filling for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace bulgur with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use rice or quinoa instead of bulgur, but the cooking time will vary.

2. How can I store the cabbage rolls for later consumption?
Cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for later consumption.

3. What other dishes can accompany the cabbage rolls?
Cabbage rolls pair wonderfully with simple sour cream or creamy yogurt, offering a touch of freshness.

If you are looking for a tasty and filling fasting recipe, cabbage rolls with bulgur and mushrooms are the perfect choice. Dare to prepare them and enjoy the rich flavors and moments spent with loved ones at the table. These cabbage rolls are not just a dish, but a true culinary experience that will take you back to childhood and joyful meals.