Dietary stuffed cabbage rolls with mushrooms

Dietary cabbage rolls with mushrooms - a healthy and savory delight

Welcome to the world of cabbage rolls! These traditional delights are reinvented in our dietary version, which combines the rich flavors of mushrooms with the crunchy texture of cabbage. In this recipe, we not only enjoy the taste but also take care of our health, making our cabbage rolls an ideal choice for a balanced meal. Whether you're preparing to impress your family or simply want to treat yourself to a delicious meal, these rolls will surely delight you.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients

- 1 fresh cabbage
- 2 cans of mushrooms (approximately 400 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1 celery (optional but recommended)
- 200 g rice
- 2 tablespoons of bell pepper paste
- 1/2 liter of homemade broth
- Thyme, herb salt, freshly ground pepper, paprika
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil

Necessary utensils

- A large pot for blanching the cabbage
- A cutting board and a knife
- A frying pan
- A wooden spoon
- A deep cooking dish or pot
- A spatula

Step by step

1. Preparing the cabbage: Start by blanching the cabbage. Put a large pot of water to boil. When the water reaches boiling point, add the whole cabbage and let it boil for 5-7 minutes. It will become soft enough to detach the leaves. Once done, remove the cabbage from the water and let it cool. If the inner leaves are not well blanched, reintroduce the cabbage into boiling water for a few minutes.

2. Preparing the filling: While the cabbage cools, prepare the filling. Finely chop the onion and mushrooms. Grate the carrot and celery. In a frying pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the onion along with the carrot for about 5 minutes, until they become translucent. Add the mushrooms, uncooked rice, bell pepper paste, and all the spices (thyme, salt, pepper, paprika). Mix well and let everything cook on low heat for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

3. Forming the rolls: Take the cabbage leaves and remove the thicker veins. In each leaf, place about a tablespoon of the filling mixture and roll the cabbage rolls, making sure to secure the ends well. If the leaves are too large, you can cut them in half.

4. Assembling the rolls: In a deep cooking dish, place chopped cabbage on the bottom (to prevent the rolls from sticking) and sprinkle a little thyme. Arrange the rolls side by side, and on top, add the remaining chopped cabbage. Add water until the rolls are covered, then let them simmer on low heat for one hour.

5. Finishing the dish: 10 minutes before they are ready, add the broth, stirring gently. Continue cooking until the cabbage is well cooked and the rolls are tender.

Chef's tip

For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a few bay leaves during cooking or replace the rice with quinoa for an even healthier option. Additionally, the rolls can be served with light sour cream or Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess and freshness.

Nutritional benefits

These rolls are lower in calories, having about 200-250 calories per serving, due to the use of mushrooms and vegetables, which are rich in fiber and nutrients. A serving of cabbage rolls contains protein from mushrooms and rice, as well as vitamins A, C, and K from vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of rice?
Yes, you can use basmati rice or even brown rice to add extra fiber.

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

3. What drinks pair well with the rolls?
Apple cider vinegar or a dry white wine can perfectly complement the flavor of the rolls. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, fresh lemonade will add a pleasant contrast.

Serving suggestions

These dietary cabbage rolls with mushrooms can be served alongside a fresh green salad, dressed with lemon and olive oil. You can also add a few olives or feta cheese for an explosion of flavors.

I wish you a good appetite and success in preparing these delicious rolls! Remember, the secret to a successful dish lies in the love and attention you give during cooking. Let’s enjoy healthy and flavorful meals together!

 Ingredients: 1 fresh cabbage, 2 boxes of mushrooms, 1 onion, 1 large carrot, 200 g rice, 2 tablespoons of pepper paste, 1/2 l homemade broth, thyme, salt with greens, freshly ground pepper, paprika.