Lenten stuffed cabbage rolls with garlic

Post Cabbage Rolls with Garlic - A Delicacy Cooked with Love

Cabbage rolls are a symbol of culinary tradition, often associated with special family moments. These post cabbage rolls with garlic are a recipe you can easily prepare, even if it's your first attempt! I will guide you step by step to achieve a savory result, full of flavor and the perfect texture. Additionally, you will discover some tips and variations that will make your dish truly unique.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 1 pickled cabbage (preferably medium-sized)
- 6 small onions
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 1 carrot
- 300 g mushrooms (champignon or any other preferred varieties)
- 200 g rice (preferably long grain)
- 100 g soy granules
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika (optional)
- Salt, to taste (depending on how salty the cabbage is)
- 2 teaspoons thick tomato paste
- Oil for sautéing

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the cabbage
Start by desalting the pickled cabbage. Place the cabbage in a bowl of water and let it desalinate overnight. The next day, wash the leaves well one by one to remove excess salt. This will help achieve a balanced taste for the rolls.

Step 2: Hydrating the soy
In another bowl, soak the soy granules in hot water for about 20 minutes. This step is essential to make them soft and easy to incorporate into the filling mixture.

Step 3: Preparing the vegetables
Peel the onion, garlic, carrot, and mushrooms, then wash them well. Chop the onion and garlic finely, and you can grate or finely chop the carrot and mushrooms, according to your preference.

Step 4: Sautéing the vegetables
In a large frying pan, add a little oil and sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat, just until they become translucent. Then, add the carrot and finally the mushrooms. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and release their flavors.

Step 5: Cooking the rice
When the vegetables are halfway cooked, add the rice and 400 ml of water. Mix well and let it simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice swells slightly. Add the tomato paste, sweet paprika, and hot paprika (if using) and season with salt, tasting to adjust.

Step 6: Combining the ingredients
Once the rice has absorbed some water, add the well-drained soy granules. Mix well to integrate all the ingredients, then remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 7: Rolling the cabbage rolls
On each cabbage leaf, place a spoonful of the filling mixture. Roll the leaf to cover the filling, folding the ends to seal the roll well. Don't worry if they are not perfect; each roll is unique!

Step 8: Placing in the pot
On the bottom of a large pot, place the cabbage stalks (these will add flavor). Arrange the cabbage rolls in layers, side by side, and add water until they are completely covered. Cover the pot with a lid.

Step 9: Cooking the rolls
Put the pot on low heat and let the rolls simmer for about 2 hours. It is important not to rush this step, as the rolls need time for the flavors to meld.

Serving and suggestions
When the rolls are ready, you can serve them with a spoonful of vegan sour cream or a fresh salad. Offer them alongside a slice of fresh bread to savor every bite. You can also add some fresh dill leaves for an extra flavor boost.

Helpful tips:
- If the cabbage is too salty, you can wash it again or choose to add a halved potato to the pot with the rolls, which will absorb some of the salt.
- You can also experiment with other vegetables in the filling, such as bell peppers or grated zucchini.
- These post cabbage rolls are also perfect for freezing. Arrange them in portions and freeze, so you can enjoy them anytime you want.

Nutritional benefits
Post cabbage rolls have a low caloric intake, being rich in fiber due to the vegetables and rice. The soy granules add important protein content, being an excellent source of plant protein. These rolls are not only tasty but also healthy, making them ideal for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time.

2. How can I enhance the flavor of the rolls?
You can add spices like thyme, dill, or even a bit of pepper for a more intense taste.

3. Are these rolls suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This recipe is 100% vegan and suitable for those following a fasting diet.

Conclusion
These post cabbage rolls with garlic are not only a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to connect with culinary traditions. So, don't hesitate to try them! Whether you're preparing them for a family meal or a special occasion, these rolls will surely win everyone's hearts. Enjoy your meal!