Lenten stuffed cabbage rolls with mushrooms

Vegan Cabbage Rolls with Mushrooms – A Delightful Vegan Treat That Will Enchant You

Lent cabbage rolls are a wonderful choice for those of us who want to enjoy a traditional dish without animal-derived ingredients. These cabbage rolls are not only healthy but also full of flavor, featuring a delicious filling of mushrooms and vegetables that perfectly complement the aroma of cabbage leaves. This recipe will remind you of family meals, enveloped in aromas and warmth. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 90 - 120 minutes
Number of servings: 6 - 8

Ingredients:
- 1 large cabbage
- 1 onion
- 1 medium carrot
- 300 g mushrooms (champignon or your preferred type)
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Dried thyme
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
- Bay leaves (2-3 leaves)
- 1-2 tablespoons of sweet paprika
- 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable stew or broth
- Olive oil, to taste
- Water, as needed

Preparing the ingredients:
1. Separating the cabbage leaves: Start by carefully separating the cabbage leaves. It is recommended to choose a larger cabbage as it will have thicker and more manageable leaves. Cut the stem from each leaf to make them more flexible.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Finely chop the onion, grate the carrot, and cut the mushrooms into small cubes. These vegetables will contribute to the savory filling of the cabbage rolls.

Cooking the filling:
1. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pan, add a little olive oil and sauté the onion over medium heat. Wait until it becomes translucent, then add the grated carrot and stir for a few minutes.

2. Adding the mushrooms: Add the chopped mushrooms to the pan and let them soften. They will add a pleasant texture and rich flavor to the filling.

3. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt, pepper, dried thyme, and, if desired, a dash of sweet paprika. Mix the ingredients well and let them sauté for about 5-7 minutes.

4. Adding the rice: Once the vegetable mixture has cooled slightly, add the rice and, optionally, a few tablespoons of vegetable stew or broth for extra flavor. Mix well to integrate all the ingredients.

Wrapping the cabbage rolls:
1. Preparing the pot: On the bottom of a large pot, place a few sprigs of thyme and some finely chopped cabbage leaves. This will prevent the cabbage rolls from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

2. Filling the cabbage leaves: Take a cabbage leaf, place a tablespoon of the mushroom and vegetable filling in the center. Fold the edges of the leaf inward and roll tightly to form a cabbage roll. Repeat this process until the filling is used up.

3. Arranging in the pot: Place the cabbage rolls in the pot, one next to the other. Continue until all the rolls are nicely arranged.

4. Adding the seasonings: Add a few bay leaves, some thyme, and a dash of olive oil on top. Cover the cabbage rolls with finely chopped cabbage and pour water until they are completely covered.

Baking:
1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 160°C. This will allow the cabbage rolls to cook slowly, ensuring that the flavors combine perfectly.

2. Cooking the cabbage rolls: Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and let the cabbage rolls bake in the oven for 90-120 minutes. It’s important to check from time to time if you need to add water, as the rolls must be continuously covered to avoid drying out.

Serving:
After the cabbage rolls are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them warm, alongside a portion of steaming polenta and spicy peppers for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Useful tips:
- Recipe variations: You can add other vegetables to the filling, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to diversify the taste.
- Mushrooms: Choose fresh mushrooms for a more intense flavor, but you can also use dried mushrooms that you can rehydrate before use.
- Enhancing flavor: If you want a deeper taste, you can add some chopped black olives to the filling.

Nutrients and calories:
This recipe for lent cabbage rolls is not only tasty but also healthy. A serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, making it an excellent choice for those who want to maintain a balanced diet. Mushrooms are rich in protein and fiber, while cabbage is a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants.

In conclusion, this recipe for lent cabbage rolls with mushrooms is not just a delicious dish but also a way to enjoy a healthy meal full of flavors and tradition. I recommend trying it with your loved ones and sharing the joy of cooking!