Lenten cabbage rolls with mushrooms

Lenten Cabbage Rolls with Mushrooms: A Vegetarian Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 90 minutes
Total time: 110 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Lenten cabbage rolls with mushrooms are a delicious and healthy choice, perfect for a family lunch or festive dinner. This dish is not only full of flavor but also an excellent alternative to traditional meat rolls. Let's discover together how to prepare these tasty rolls step by step.

Ingredients:

- 1 small cabbage
- 500 g fresh mushrooms (preferably champignon)
- 1 large onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (preferably white wine)
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 100 g rice (preferably long-grain)
- Salt, pepper, and sweet paprika to taste

Preparation Instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the onion. Chop it finely and set it aside. Wash the mushrooms well and cut them into small cubes. If using larger mushrooms, ensure they are cut evenly for even cooking.

2. Preparing the cabbage leaves: In a large pot, add water, salt, and vinegar and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, remove the core from the cabbage so that the leaves are easier to separate. Once the water starts to boil, add the whole cabbage. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes until the leaves become soft but not fully cooked. This will make rolling the cabbage rolls easier.

3. Preparing the filling: In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté until it becomes transparent, then add the chopped mushrooms. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the mushrooms release their liquid and it reduces. Add the rice, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything well and let it cool slightly.

4. Forming the cabbage rolls: Once the cabbage has cooled, carefully separate the leaves. Choose the largest and intact leaves for filling. Place a tablespoon of filling on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly, folding the ends to seal the filling. Arrange the rolls in a pot with the open side down.

5. Boiling the cabbage rolls: Add water to the pot to cover the rolls. You can add a bay leaf or a few peppercorns for extra flavor. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 60-90 minutes. The rolls are ready when the rice is fully cooked.

6. Serving: Serve the Lenten cabbage rolls with a spoonful of plant-based sour cream and freshly chopped dill for an even more intense flavor. These rolls are excellent both warm and cold and can be stored in the fridge to be enjoyed later.

Practical Tips:

- Elevate your taste buds: By adding herbs like thyme or dill to the filling, you can achieve an even more sophisticated flavor.
- Vary the ingredients: You can experiment with other vegetables such as carrots or zucchini, or add chopped nuts for added texture.
- Cook in advance: The rolls can be prepared a day ahead, and the flavors intensify as they sit.

This recipe for Lenten cabbage rolls with mushrooms is not only a healthy choice but also a dish that brings the family together around the table, offering them the opportunity to enjoy a tasty and comforting meal. Try this simple recipe and you will have a delicious result that will impress everyone!

 Ingredients: a small cabbage, 500 g mushrooms, a large onion, 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce, 100 g rice, salt, pepper, paprika