Lenten stuffed cabbage rolls with mushrooms

Lenten Cabbage Rolls with Mushrooms - A Treat for All Housewives

Who said that cabbage rolls are only for festive meals or that they must necessarily contain meat? Today, I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for lentil cabbage rolls with mushrooms that will turn any meal into a celebration! These cabbage rolls are not only healthy but also full of flavors, being a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create spectacular dishes.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 head of pickled cabbage (or grape leaves, if you prefer)
- 500 g champignon mushrooms
- 200 g rice
- 1 carrot
- 3 large onions
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons white flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for sautéing

A bit of history:
Cabbage rolls are a traditional dish found in many cultures around the world, with deep roots in culinary history. They symbolize unity and tradition, often being prepared in families during holidays. Lenten cabbage rolls with mushrooms emerged as a flavorful alternative that respects the dietary restrictions of those who fast but do not wish to give up the pleasures of taste.

Step by Step:

1. Prepare the cabbage: Start by rinsing the pickled cabbage. Place it in a bowl of cold water a few hours before you start cooking (ideally, leave it overnight). This step helps reduce the saltiness of the cabbage, giving it a more balanced taste.

2. Prepare the mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms, wash them well, and chop them into small pieces. They will add a wonderful texture and umami flavor to your cabbage rolls.

3. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, add a splash of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. This step will enhance the onion's flavor, giving a rich taste to the mixture. Once the onion has softened, add the grated carrot and sauté together for 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the mushrooms: Once the onion and carrot are ready, add the chopped mushrooms. Let them cook until the water released by the mushrooms evaporates completely. This step is essential to prevent the cabbage rolls from becoming too wet.

5. Incorporate the rice: Wash the rice and add it to the skillet, mixing well. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes, then add the tomato paste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.

6. Prepare the filling: Transfer the vegetable and mushroom mixture to a large bowl. Add the flour, which will help bind the ingredients, and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

7. Form the cabbage rolls: Take the cabbage out of the water and separate the leaves. From each leaf, use the part without the thick vein. Place a tablespoon of the mushroom and rice filling in the center of the leaf and roll it tightly, folding the edges to seal the filling.

8. Cook the cabbage rolls: Chop the remaining cabbage leaves and place them at the bottom of a large pot. Arrange the cabbage rolls in rows, then add the remaining chopped cabbage on top. Cover with water, add the two tablespoons of tomato paste, and bring the pot to a boil.

9. Boiling: Let the cabbage rolls simmer on low heat for about an hour. Check periodically and add water if necessary.

10. Serving: Lenten cabbage rolls with mushrooms are served hot, alongside a portion of steaming polenta. This will add a rustic touch and perfectly complement the rich flavors of the cabbage rolls.

Practical Tips:
- If you want a spicier version, add some chopped hot pepper to the filling mixture.
- For a more pronounced flavor, try adding some herbs like dill or parsley to the filling.
- Cabbage rolls can be easily frozen. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in freezer bags.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use fresh cabbage instead of pickled cabbage?
- Yes, but the cabbage rolls will have a different taste. In this case, I recommend boiling the cabbage leaves a bit to soften them before using.

2. How can I make the cabbage rolls less acidic?
- Make sure to rinse the cabbage sufficiently and use less tomato paste. Also, add a little sugar to the water to counteract the acidity.

3. What side dish pairs best with lentil cabbage rolls?
- Warm polenta is the most traditional, but a vegan sour cream or soy yogurt sauce would also go wonderfully.

Nutritional Benefits:
Lenten cabbage rolls with mushrooms are an excellent choice for a healthy diet. Mushrooms are rich in protein and vitamins, while rice provides complex carbohydrates. Additionally, pickled cabbage is a good source of probiotics, beneficial for digestive health.

Now that you have discovered this recipe for lentil cabbage rolls with mushrooms, feel free to try it and customize it to your preferences! It can become a staple dish in your menu, offering both flavor and satisfaction. Enjoy your meal!