Vegetarian stuffed cabbage rolls

Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls in Lettuce Leaves - A Lenten Delicacy

This recipe for vegetarian cabbage rolls in lettuce leaves is not only a delicious option for the fasting period but also a healthy choice for any meal. The dish is a lighter, fresher version of traditional cabbage rolls, featuring a mix of aromatic vegetables and rice. And for those looking to explore a vegetarian alternative, these rolls are perfect!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 90 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 2 large lettuce heads (choose the biggest and healthiest leaves)
- 5 champignon mushrooms
- 1 white onion
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 zucchini
- 1 eggplant
- 1 small carrot
- 1 bunch of dill
- Thyme (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of pepper paste
- 1 can of tomatoes (Cirio pulp in juice)
- 1 small bowl of golden raisins (about a handful)
- 1 bowl of water
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (preferably palm oil)
- 1 cup of round-grain rice
- Seasoned tomato juice (or regular, ideally homemade)

Preparation

1. Selecting the lettuce leaves: Start by carefully washing the lettuce leaves, one by one. Choose the largest leaves, as they will be used to wrap the filling. It is important to handle the leaves gently, as they are fragile.

2. Blanch the leaves: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Blanch each lettuce leaf for 10 seconds, then let them cool on a clean towel or a cooling rack. Performing this step before filling the rolls will help maintain the shape of the leaves.

3. Preparing the filling: Slice the eggplant and sprinkle it with salt to remove excess water. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then drain it well by rinsing it quickly under cold water. Chop the onion, mushrooms, and carrot (you can use a grater for the carrot). The zucchini should also be finely chopped.

4. Mix the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the onion, mushrooms, carrot, zucchini, and eggplant. Sauté them gently, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. There is no need to add water, as the vegetables will release enough moisture.

5. Add the rice and spices: Once the vegetables have softened, add the rice. Mix well and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors. You can also add thyme, dill, pepper, and salt to taste. If you find the filling too wet, you can drain the excess liquid and add it to the sauce.

6. Finalizing the filling: Add the pepper paste, canned tomatoes, and golden raisins to the mixture. Mix everything well and let the composition cool.

7. Filling the rolls: Take a lettuce leaf, place a tablespoon of filling at the base of the leaf, and roll it up gently, making sure to tuck in the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out. Place the rolls in a baking dish.

8. Cooking the rolls: Once all the rolls are in the dish, pour seasoned or regular tomato juice over them. This will add a delicious flavor and keep the rolls moist. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 180°C for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

9. Serving: Once the rolls are ready, you can serve them with warm polenta. This will add a wonderful texture and flavor to your dish.

Practical Tips

- Choose fresh ingredients: The quality of the ingredients is essential for great taste. Opt for seasonal and fresh vegetables.
- Vary the filling: You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, peas, or even textured soy to diversify the filling.
- The sauce: If you prefer a more tangy sauce, you can add a little vinegar to the tomato sauce.
- Care for the leaves: If the lettuce leaves are too fragile, you can try using cabbage leaves or beet greens.

Nutritional Benefits

These vegetarian rolls are rich in vitamins and minerals due to the mix of vegetables. The raisins add a touch of natural sweetness, while the rice provides complex carbohydrates essential for energy. These healthy ingredients make this dish an excellent choice for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I replace the rice with quinoa? Yes, you can use quinoa instead of rice for an even healthier dish!
- How can I store the rolls? You can keep the rolls in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Can they be frozen? Yes, the rolls can be frozen. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

What goes well with vegetarian rolls?

These rolls pair perfectly with warm polenta, but you can also add a fresh salad or a serving of plant-based yogurt to complete the meal. Additionally, a glass of white wine or herbal tea would be excellent accompaniments.

Make this recipe an enjoyable experience by gathering your family and friends around the table. You will enjoy not only the delicious taste of the vegetarian rolls but also the wonderful moments spent together. By experimenting with spices and ingredients, you can make these vegetarian rolls a truly unique dish that reflects your culinary style. Enjoy your meal!