Stuffed cabbage rolls with soy and oyster mushrooms

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Soy and Pleurotus - a Delicious and Nutritious Vegan Recipe

Are you looking for a vegan recipe that combines flavor with health? Stuffed cabbage rolls with soy and pleurotus are the perfect choice! This dish is not only a tasty alternative to traditional stuffed cabbage, but also an excellent way to bring a touch of culinary creativity to your table. Let's embark on this cooking adventure together!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 small cabbage
- 2 liters of water
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- 300 g of pleurotus mushrooms
- 100 g of soy granules
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 100 ml of tomato juice (for serving)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Dill (fresh or dried, to preference)
- Thyme (to taste)
- 200 ml of borscht (optional, but recommended)

A Brief History of the Recipe

Stuffed cabbage is an iconic dish found in many culinary cultures, often associated with family gatherings and celebrations. Over time, recipes have adapted, incorporating various ingredients, and today, vegetarian or vegan stuffed cabbage rolls are becoming increasingly popular. This version with soy and pleurotus not only offers a pleasant texture but also a good source of plant-based protein.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Cabbage
Start by bringing the water to a boil in a large pot, adding a tablespoon of vinegar. This will help soften the cabbage leaves. Once the water starts boiling, remove the core of the cabbage and place the cabbage in the pot to blanch. Let it sit for a few minutes until the leaves start to soften. Then, carefully separate the leaves from the head, making sure not to tear them.

2. Preparing the Filling
Meanwhile, boil the soy granules according to the package instructions. They usually require about 10-15 minutes of cooking. When ready, drain them well and squeeze them in your hands to remove excess water. Now, chop the pleurotus mushrooms and add them to a bowl.

3. Sautéing the Vegetables
Grate the carrot and finely chop the onion. In a skillet, add a little oil and sauté the onion and carrot together with 3 tablespoons of tomato paste. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and dill until the onion becomes translucent. Then add the soy granules and pleurotus mushrooms, mixing well.

4. Forming the Cabbage Rolls
On each cabbage leaf, place a portion of the prepared filling, then roll tightly, folding the edges to seal the roll. Repeat this process until the filling is finished.

5. Cooking the Cabbage Rolls
Place the cabbage rolls in a large pot, covering them with water and adding the remaining tomato juice. Allow them to boil over high heat until it starts to bubble, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 45 minutes. In the last 10 minutes, you can add the borscht for a tangy flavor.

Serving

The cabbage rolls can be served warm, accompanied by a spoonful of vegan sour cream or a splash of fresh tomato juice. A summer salad or a side of mashed potatoes would perfectly complete the meal.

Useful Tips

- Choose the cabbage: A smaller, younger cabbage will have more tender leaves, ideal for rolls.
- Soy granules: You can also use other types of plant proteins, such as crumbled tofu or seitan, to vary the filling.
- Spices: Play around with the spices! You can add other flavors, such as garlic or chili, for an extra kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze the cabbage rolls?
Yes, the cabbage rolls freeze very well. Place them in plastic bags and be sure to label them with the date.

2. What can I use instead of borscht?
If you don’t have borscht, you can use lemon juice or vinegar to add a tangy flavor.

3. How can I make the rolls less acidic?
You can reduce the amount of tomato juice or borscht, adding more water during cooking.

Variations

If you want to experiment, you can add other vegetables to the filling, such as zucchini or bell pepper, which will add a unique flavor and texture to your rolls. You can also try adding chopped nuts for extra crunch.

These stuffed cabbage rolls with soy and pleurotus are not only a simple recipe but also a healthy choice that will delight the taste buds of the whole family. Try them and enjoy a hearty meal full of flavors and colors!