Lenten stuffed grape leaves with chard

Post Cabbage Rolls with Swiss Chard - a delicious and healthy recipe

If you are looking for a recipe for cabbage rolls that brings a touch of innovation to your kitchen, then the post cabbage rolls with Swiss chard are the perfect choice! This recipe is not only simple, but it is also full of flavors, with Swiss chard leaves at its core, an ingredient rich in nutritional benefits. Let's discover together how we can prepare them!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

- 115 fresh Swiss chard leaves
- 2 cups of rice
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 10 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or sunflower oil, for sautéing

Preparing the post cabbage rolls with Swiss chard:

Step 1: Preparing the rice
The night before, soak the two cups of rice in two liters of water. This step is essential as it helps the rice absorb the water, becoming softer and easier to cook. If you don't have time to leave it overnight, make sure to rinse it well and let it sit in warm water for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
After draining the rice, finely chop the onion and sauté it in a pan with a little oil, adding the tomato paste. Sautéing the onion in oil and paste will add an intense flavor to your filling. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Once you have sautéed the onion, mix it with the drained rice, add the chopped dill, salt, and pepper to taste. Make sure all ingredients are well combined!

Step 3: Preparing the Swiss chard leaves
Wash the Swiss chard leaves and trim the stems, removing the thicker veins from the leaf's surface. This step is crucial for making the rolls easy to roll. Blanch the Swiss chard leaves for 30 seconds in boiling water. This will make them more flexible and easier to roll, preventing them from tearing.

Step 4: Forming the cabbage rolls
Take each Swiss chard leaf and place a tablespoon of the rice mixture at the base of it. Roll the leaf tightly, making sure to seal the ends well. Place the rolls in a deep pot, one next to the other. Add enough water to cover them completely and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Serving
Once the cabbage rolls are ready, you can serve them with plant-based sour cream or a fresh tomato sauce. A side of polenta would perfectly complement this delicious dish.

Practical tips:
- If you want to add an extra touch of flavor, you can add dried dill or spices like smoked paprika to the filling.
- Instead of rice, you can experiment with quinoa or other whole grains for an even healthier option.
- The Swiss chard rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and are just as tasty, if not better, the next day.

Nutritional benefits:
Swiss chard is a plant rich in vitamins and minerals, with a low calorie content. It is an excellent source of iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Additionally, rice provides complex carbohydrates, offering sustainable energy.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other leaves instead of Swiss chard?
Yes, you can use grape leaves or cabbage, but the taste will be different.
2. Can I make these rolls with meat?
Of course! You can add minced meat to the filling for a more traditional version.
3. How can I enhance the flavor of the rolls?
By adding spices like thyme, bay leaf, or coriander to the boiling water for an extra flavor boost.

This recipe for post cabbage rolls with Swiss chard is not only a healthy choice but also an excellent way to bring a touch of greenery to your diet. I invite you to try them and share the joy of this dish with your loved ones!