Vegan stuffed cabbage rolls

Lenten Cabbage Rolls with Soy and Mushrooms

Do you want to discover a Lenten cabbage roll recipe that will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of tradition to your table? Then I invite you to join me on this culinary journey, where we will transform simple ingredients into delicious and comforting dishes. This Lenten cabbage roll recipe, with soy and mushrooms, combines the natural flavors of vegetables with the pleasant texture of rice and soy granules, providing you with a final result that you will surely not forget!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Your magical ingredients:
- 1 head of pickled cabbage (1.5-2 kg)
- 400 ml oil (for a rich taste)
- 200 g soy granules
- 4 large onions
- 1 cup of bulgur (or bulgur, for a different texture)
- 200 g canned mushrooms (or fresh, if you prefer)
- 400 g rice (preferably long-grain)
- 1 liter of water (for cooking)
- Salt (about 3 teaspoons, adjust to taste)
- Pepper (1 teaspoon)
- 5-6 bay leaves (for a special aroma)

The story behind the recipe:
Cabbage rolls are a traditional dish found in many cultures, often associated with festive moments and family gatherings. Lenten cabbage rolls are a wonderful choice for those who want to respect culinary traditions while maintaining a vegetarian diet. This unique recipe, with soy and mushrooms, combines the rich flavors of vegetables with plant-based proteins, making it a healthy and filling option.

Step by step - Your culinary guide:

1. Preparing the cabbage leaves:
Cut the cabbage leaves from the core and place them in cold water for a few hours. This step will not only make them less salty but will also help achieve a more pleasant texture. If you have a less pickled cabbage, you can use it for a milder taste.

2. Rehydrating the soy:
Place the soy granules in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them soak for 30-40 minutes. This is an essential step to restore their consistency and flavor. After rehydrating, drain them in a colander.

3. Preparing the vegetables:
Peel the onion and parsley, then chop them finely. Do the same with the mushrooms, which will add a rich flavor to the dish.

4. Sautéing the vegetables:
In a large pot, add 400 ml of oil and sauté the onion and parsley for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly. When the onion becomes translucent, add the soy granules, mushrooms, and well-washed rice. Sauté everything together for 3-4 minutes.

5. Adding the bulgur and spices:
Incorporate the bulgur and the 3 teaspoons of broth. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. Let the mixture cool slightly.

6. Forming the cabbage rolls:
Cut the core of the cabbage leaves and tear them into suitable pieces (depending on how large you want the rolls to be). On the bottom of a pot, place some cabbage cores to prevent the rolls from burning. In each leaf, place a tablespoon of the prepared mixture and roll it, tucking the ends inside the roll.

7. Final preparation:
Place the rolls side by side in the pot and add a few bay leaves among them for extra flavor. Pour water over the rolls, covering them completely, then bake them in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 3 hours. In the meantime, you can periodically check the water level, adding more if necessary.

A personal note:
Lenten cabbage rolls are delicious served with a spoonful of vegan sour cream or a splash of lemon juice, which will balance the flavors. You can also add some olives for an interesting contrast.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each serving of Lenten cabbage rolls contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil and rice used. They are a good source of plant-based protein (thanks to the soy), fiber (from the vegetables), and healthy carbohydrates (from the rice). They are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice will add a heartier texture and more fiber.

2. How can I adapt the recipe to make it spicier?
You can add chili peppers or chili flakes to the filling mixture.

3. Can I freeze the cabbage rolls?
Absolutely! The cabbage rolls can be frozen before or after cooking. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in airtight containers.

4. What other recipes pair well with these cabbage rolls?
Lenten cabbage rolls pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a fresh cabbage salad. A light drink, such as white wine or iced tea with lemon, will perfectly complement the meal.

I wish you happy cooking and a delicious meal! Let’s enjoy together the reinterpreted traditional flavors!