Lenten stuffed cabbage rolls made by Jamila Cuisine

Lenten Cabbage Rolls with Mushrooms – A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Who doesn't love cabbage rolls? This dish, symbolic of family meals, becomes even more special when adapted for Lent. Lenten cabbage rolls with mushrooms are a wonderful choice, full of flavor and nutrients, without compromising on authentic taste. In this recipe, the mushrooms take center stage, providing a rich texture and deep flavor to the filling.

The history of cabbage rolls is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Regardless of the ingredients used, cabbage rolls have always been a way to gather family around the table, and this recipe respects the principles of Lent while being delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients

- 700 g mushrooms (champignon or mixed mushrooms)
- 1 pickled cabbage (or fresh cabbage leaves if you prefer)
- 3 medium onions, finely chopped
- 200 g rice
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 200 g tomato paste
- 1 bunch of chopped parsley
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil
- a few bay leaves
- a little thyme
- herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil)
- paprika, salt, pepper

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the mushrooms

To start, clean the mushrooms and dice them. This step is essential as the mushrooms will significantly reduce in volume during cooking. Heat a pan with a little oil and add the diced mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will notice that the mushrooms release water and shrink. Once sautéed, let them cool slightly.

Practical tips: Choose fresh, firm mushrooms without spots. If using frozen mushrooms, ensure they are fully thawed and drained well before using.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

In a large bowl, mix the sautéed mushrooms with the chopped onion, rice, diced carrots, bell pepper, tomato paste, and parsley. Add the spices: thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed. It's important that the rice is well incorporated, as it will expand during cooking and absorb the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the cabbage

If using pickled cabbage, carefully detach the leaves and rinse them in cold water to remove excess salt. If using fresh cabbage, you will need to blanch it for a few minutes to make it more flexible. Now, you are ready to form the cabbage rolls!

Step 4: Form the cabbage rolls

On each cabbage leaf, add a tablespoon of filling, fold the edges of the leaf, and roll tightly to form the roll. Make sure they are well sealed so that the filling does not escape during cooking. Place the cabbage rolls in a large pot, seam side down.

Step 5: Cook the cabbage rolls

On top of the cabbage rolls, add a few bay leaves and sprinkle with herbs. Pour enough water to cover the rolls, add a little oil and more tomato paste if you like a richer sauce. Put the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the temperature and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Serve

The cabbage rolls are delicious both hot and cold. You can serve them with a spoonful of vegan sour cream or with hot chili peppers for an extra kick. These rolls pair perfectly with a beet salad or warm polenta on the side.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can add other vegetables to the filling, such as zucchini or cauliflower. Additionally, for an even more intense flavor, you can add some black olives or even a few slices of soy.

Nutritional benefits

These Lenten cabbage rolls are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals due to the vegetables and mushrooms. A serving of cabbage rolls provides a balanced intake of nutrients, essential for a healthy diet. The rice provides complex carbohydrates, and mushrooms are an excellent source of plant-based protein.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use brown rice?
Sure! Brown rice will add a crunchier texture and more fiber, but it will require a longer cooking time.

2. How can I store the cabbage rolls?
Cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them to enjoy later.

3. Can I make the rolls without cabbage?
Of course! You can use grape leaves or fresh cabbage leaves, but in this case, you will need to blanch them a bit to make them flexible.

In conclusion, Lenten cabbage rolls with mushrooms are an excellent choice for family meals, being not only tasty but also healthy. Don't hesitate to prepare them and share this recipe with your loved ones. Cooking is an art form, and every meal is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. So put on your apron and enjoy the process!