Cabbage Rolls with Beet Leaves and Rice
Ingredients: 6 beet leaves (green part) and 2 white stems, 6 tablespoons of already cooked rice, 1 teaspoon of finely chopped onion, 1/2 carrot, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 125g mozzarella breadcrumbs (optional), 1 tablespoon of oil, salt, tomato juice.
To prepare a delicious and healthy dish, we will use beet greens, an often overlooked ingredient that is full of nutrients and flavor. We start by carefully cleaning and washing the beet greens. Make sure to remove any impurities or dry parts. Once the leaves are clean, we will blanch them quickly in boiling water for a few minutes. This step is essential as it will help soften the leaves, making them easier to shape. After blanching, lay them out on a cotton kitchen towel or a clean cloth to cool and absorb excess water.
Next, we will prepare the filling. Chop the beet stems finely and place them in a pan with a little heated oil. Add the finely chopped onion and the carrot, which should be peeled, washed, and grated. Sauté these vegetables over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and fragrant. It is also important to have the cooked rice ready beforehand to add to the vegetable mixture. After the vegetables have been sautéed, mix them with the cooked rice and let everything cook for a minute so that the rice absorbs the delicious flavors.
In a large bowl, combine the rice with the vegetables, add the finely chopped green parsley and the mozzarella cut into small cubes. This mixture will create a creamy and flavorful filling. If you find that the filling is too runny, feel free to add a little breadcrumbs, which will help absorb the excess moisture and give a pleasant texture.
Now we are ready to fill the blanched beet greens. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each leaf and carefully fold them like sarmale. If you are not familiar with the technique of folding sarmale, you can form rolls and secure them with a toothpick to maintain their shape.
Place each roll in a baking dish, and then cover everything with a delicious tomato sauce. This will add a touch of acidity and help enhance the flavors. Bake at 180°C for 10 minutes, until the leaves become tender and slightly browned. In the end, you will have a healthy and tasty dish, perfect for a family meal or to impress friends. Enjoy!
Tags: onion greenery carrots rice tomatoes oil vegetarian recipes recipes for children cabbage rolls