Vegetable stuffed cabbage rolls with spinach

Vegetable Cabbage Rolls with Spinach: A Savory and Colorful Recipe

I invite you to discover a delicious and healthy recipe for vegetable cabbage rolls with spinach, a dish that will bring a touch of freshness and flavor to your kitchen. This recipe combines natural ingredients with an unmistakable taste, making it perfect for any occasion. Although it is not a fasting recipe, the way the cabbage rolls are prepared gives them a light texture and incredible flavor. So, let’s embark on this culinary adventure!

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

Ingredients:

- 1 bunch of fresh spinach
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 cup of rice (about 200 g)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 egg (for binding)
- 1 large cabbage
- Lemon salt (for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of magic borscht (from your favorite brand)
- Dried thyme, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons of oil for sautéing
- 200 ml of diluted tomato juice

Helpful tip: Choose a nice cabbage with large leaves to make wrapping the rolls easier. If you find pickled cabbage, you can use it for a more intense flavor.

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: The first step is to prepare the vegetables. Finely chop the onion and grate the carrot. These two ingredients will add a delicious aroma to our mixture.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pan, heat the 3 tablespoons of oil and add the onion and carrot. Sauté them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

3. Preparing the rice: Rinse the rice under cold running water and boil it in salted water for 5-7 minutes. Do not let it cook completely, as it will be cooked further in the oven. After partially cooking, drain it and add it to the pan over the sautéed vegetables. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Cooling the mixture: Allow the mixture to cool, then add the beaten egg. This will help bind the rolls and provide a pleasant texture.

5. Preparing the cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and wash it under cold running water. Cut out the core and boil the cabbage in salted water with a teaspoon of magic borscht. Boil until the leaves become soft, then remove them from the water and let them cool. Remove the tougher veins to make rolling the cabbage rolls easier.

6. Filling the rolls: On each cabbage leaf, add a tablespoon of the vegetable mixture and a blanched spinach leaf. Roll the cabbage rolls carefully, making sure to seal the edges well.

7. Placing the rolls in the baking dish: In a baking dish, place a layer of finely chopped cabbage at the bottom. Then, arrange the cabbage rolls in rows, and sprinkle a little lemon salt on top, rubbed between your palms to release the flavors.

8. Preparing the sauce: Mix the diluted tomato juice with dried thyme and pour it over the cabbage rolls. Add the bay leaf for extra flavor.

9. Cooking the rolls: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish in the oven for about 45-60 minutes, or until the rolls are nicely browned on top.

10. Serving: Once the rolls are ready, let them cool slightly before serving. You can accompany them with sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.

Personalized option: If you want to add a touch of flavor, you can include some olives or fresh herbs like dill or parsley in the filling.

Nutritional benefits: These cabbage rolls are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals due to the fresh vegetables and spinach. A serving of cabbage rolls can contain about 250-300 calories, making it a healthy option for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of vegetables? Of course! You can add zucchini, mushrooms, or red peppers to diversify the flavor.
2. How can I make the rolls spicier? Add a little chopped hot pepper or chili flakes to the vegetable mixture.
3. Can I freeze the rolls? Yes, the rolls can be frozen after cooking. Make sure to store them in an airtight container.

Combine these cabbage rolls with a fresh summer salad or a refreshing lemonade to create the perfect meal. I wish you good appetite and happy cooking!

 Ingredients: 1 spinach link 1 large onion 1 carrot 1 cup of rice salt pepper 1 egg 1 large cabbage lemon juice 1 teaspoon of Maggie's magic borscht dried thyme bay leaf

 Tags:  cabbage rolls vegetables spinach