Vegetarian stuffed grape leaves
Vegetarian Sarma in Swiss Chard Leaves – A Flavorful and Healthy Delicacy
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6
The history of sarma is long, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Today, I invite you to explore a vegetarian version of this classic dish, made with Swiss chard leaves and filled with a delicious combination of healthy ingredients. These sarmas are not only tasty but also an excellent option for those looking to reduce meat consumption.
Ingredients
- 30 Swiss chard leaves (approximately)
- 1 cup of rice (preferably long-grain)
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 70 g walnuts, ground
- 100 g brown raisins
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 large red onion
- 1 jar of mushrooms (approximately 200 g)
- 1 bunch of dill, chopped
- 1 bunch of parsley, chopped
- 200 g tomato paste (recommended Cirio)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 large bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon palm oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Step 1: Preparing the Swiss Chard Leaves
Start by washing the Swiss chard leaves thoroughly under cold running water. It is essential to remove any impurities. After washing, blanch them for 10 seconds in a pot of boiling water. This process will make the leaves more flexible and easier to wrap. Carefully remove them and let them cool.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and palm oil. Add the chopped red onion and green onions, sautéing them over low heat for about a minute until they become translucent. Add the rice and mix well, then gradually add the finely chopped mushrooms, grated carrot, ground walnuts, raisins, dill, and parsley.
Mix everything for 10 minutes over low heat, ensuring the ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of brown sugar, which will add a touch of sweetness and balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Step 3: Completing the Filling
After the filling is cooked, add half of the tomato paste to the skillet. Taste again and adjust the seasoning to achieve a mixture you like. These vegetarian sarmas are full of flavor and become even more delicious after cooking.
Step 4: Filling the Swiss Chard Leaves
Now it's time to fill the Swiss chard leaves. Take a leaf and, if the stem is tougher, trim it. Use a flat knife to flatten the ribs of the leaf, making the filling easier. Take a teaspoon of the filling and roll the leaf from the tip to the base, making sure to seal the filling well. The sarmas should be about the size of a walnut.
Place the sarmas in a baking dish, side by side.
Step 5: Preparing the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining water (approximately 900 ml) with the remaining tomato paste. Season with salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and add the bay leaf and a little sugar. Bring the sauce close to a boil without letting it boil.
Step 6: Cooking the Sarmas
Pour the warm sauce over the sarmas in the baking dish, ensuring they are well covered. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius and let bake for one hour. The Swiss chard leaves will soften, and the sarmas will become rich and flavorful.
Serving and Suggestions
These vegetarian sarmas in Swiss chard leaves are best served with Greek yogurt on top for a creamy and refreshing contrast. A simple green salad alongside will perfectly complement the meal, bringing freshness and crunch.
Tips and Practical Advice
1. Swiss chard leaves: Make sure to choose fresh, green leaves without spots. Larger leaves are ideal for filling.
2. Filling: You can also add leftover vegetables or your favorite herbs to customize the taste.
3. Quinoa version: For an even healthier option, you can replace the rice with quinoa, which is rich in protein.
4. Delicious snacks: These sarmas can be refrigerated and consumed the next day, becoming even tastier.
5. Easy to freeze: If you have leftover sarmas, you can easily freeze them for a quick meal on future days.
Nutritional Benefits
These sarmas are packed with nutrients! Swiss chard leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, while walnuts add essential fatty acids. The rice provides complex carbohydrates, and the vegetables add fiber, making them a healthy and filling choice. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, but this may vary depending on the amount of filling used.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other leaves?
Yes, you can replace Swiss chard leaves with cabbage leaves, vine leaves, or spinach.
2. Are these sarmas suitable for vegans?
Yes, all ingredients are vegan, making them a perfect choice for those following a plant-based diet.
3. How can I store the sarmas?
The sarmas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
Conclusion
Vegetarian sarmas in Swiss chard leaves are not only a healthy choice but also a delicious way to bring a touch of creativity to the kitchen. This simple recipe will impress your family and friends, and each bite will be an explosion of flavors. So, embrace cooking and enjoy this delicacy!
Ingredients: 30 leaves of Swiss chard, 1 cup of rice, 1 large carrot, 70g walnuts, 100g brown raisins, 1 bunch of green onions, 1 large red onion, 1 jar of mushrooms, 1 bunch of dill, 1 bunch of parsley, 200g tomato paste (I used Cirio), salt and pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 large bay leaf, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon palm oil, 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
