Lenten stuffed cabbage rolls with soy

Vegan stuffed cabbage rolls with soy: A delicacy full of tradition

Who hasn't grown up with the inviting aroma of boiled cabbage rolls, infused with rich flavors and served with a generous dollop of sour cream? Although cabbage rolls are often associated with meaty dishes, today we will explore a vegan version that, by using soy, offers a tasty and healthy alternative. This recipe not only combines simple ingredients but also brings together tradition and culinary innovation, transforming the meal into a unique experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 90 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- Cabbage leaves from 2 medium cabbages
- 4 onions
- 1/2 carrot
- 1 medium potato
- 150 g rice
- 50 g soy (granules)
- 300 ml tomato juice
- 30 ml oil
- 300 ml water
- Fresh dill (frozen or fresh)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sweet paprika, to preference

A brief story about cabbage rolls

Cabbage rolls have a rich history and are a symbol of hospitality in many cultures. Over time, they have evolved, adapting to available ingredients and local culinary preferences. Today, we enjoy a vegan recipe that preserves the essence of traditional cabbage rolls but offers a slightly lighter and equally satisfying option.

Step by step for perfect cabbage rolls

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by removing the cabbage from the barrel and carefully separating the leaves. It's best to choose thicker cabbage leaves, which will roll easily without tearing. If using pickled cabbage, make sure it is well washed to remove excess salt.

2. Chopping and grating
Peel the onions and carrot. Finely chop the onion and grate the carrot on a small grater. Grate the potato as well, and then squeeze it well to remove excess water. This step will help avoid a mixture that is too wet.

3. Hydrating the soy
Place the soy granules in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them hydrate for about 10 minutes. After they have expanded, drain and squeeze them well to remove excess water.

4. Preparing the filling
In a skillet, add the oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Then, add the grated carrot and potato, mixing well. Season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Cook the mixture until soft, then add the rice and a cup of water. Let everything boil, then remove the skillet from the heat.

5. Adding the soy
Once the vegetable and rice mixture is ready, add the hydrated soy. Mix well to combine all ingredients. This is the perfect time to adjust the seasonings – taste and see if more salt or pepper is needed.

6. Forming the cabbage rolls
On a cabbage leaf, place a tablespoon of the prepared filling. Fold the leaf to cover the filling, forming a tight roll. Repeat this process until the filling is exhausted.

7. Preparing the pot
Chop the remaining cabbage cores and place them at the bottom of a large pot, adding a layer of fresh dill and a few peppercorns. Arrange the cabbage rolls in two layers, cover them with chopped cabbage, and drizzle with tomato juice.

8. Cooking the cabbage rolls
Add enough water to cover the cabbage rolls. Place the pot on the heat and let it simmer on low for about 90 minutes. Ensure the cabbage rolls are cooked until tender.

9. Serving
Cabbage rolls can be served hot, with a spoonful of plant-based sour cream or coconut yogurt, to add extra flavor. You can accompany them with a fresh summer salad or steaming polenta.

Useful tips

- If you prefer spicier cabbage rolls, you can add chili peppers to the filling.
- You can also experiment with other vegetables in the filling, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to vary the taste.
- Cabbage rolls can be frozen, so it's a good idea to prepare a larger batch and keep them for days when you don't have time to cook.

Nutritional benefits

Vegan cabbage rolls with soy are an excellent source of plant-based protein, thanks to the soy, and are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals due to the vegetables used. This recipe is perfect for those looking to diversify their diet and enjoy a healthy and tasty dish.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but the cooking time for brown rice will be longer, so adjust the boiling time accordingly.

2. How can I make the cabbage rolls more aromatic?
Try adding spices like thyme or cumin to the filling for an even more intense flavor.

3. Can I make the cabbage rolls without soy?
Of course! You can replace soy with lentils or a mix of vegetables.

These vegan cabbage rolls are not just a delicious alternative but also a way to bring family and friends together around the table. Whether you enjoy them on a special occasion or simply on an ordinary day, cabbage rolls will always bring smiles and joy. Enjoy your meal!