Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Course: Appetizer | Cuisine: Continental | Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose) | 1 head (leaves separated) |
| Cooked rice | 1/2 cup |
| Button mushrooms (finely chopped) | 6 pieces |
| Carrot (grated) | 1 |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Black pepper powder (crushed) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mixed herbs (dried) | 2 teaspoons |
| Sunflower oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Tomatoes (blanched) | 3 |
| Onion (for sauce, finely chopped) | 1 |
| Garlic (for sauce, minced) | 2 cloves |
| Black pepper powder (for sauce) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sunflower oil (for sauce) | 2 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1 pinch |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Heat oil in a saucepan and add the finely chopped onion and garlic. Sautรฉ until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
- Add the blanched tomatoes (peeled and crushed), salt, sugar, black pepper powder, and red chili powder. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.
Step 2: Blanch the Cabbage Leaves
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Carefully place the cabbage leaves into the water and blanch them for about 6-7 minutes, or until they are just tender but not fully cooked.
- Drain the leaves and place them on a kitchen towel to remove excess water and allow them to cool.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautรฉing until they become soft and aromatic.
- Add the grated carrot and finely chopped mushrooms to the pan. Sautรฉ the mixture for about 1 minute until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the cooked rice, mixed herbs, crushed black pepper, and salt. Mix well, ensuring all ingredients are combined.
- Remove from heat and set the filling aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls
- Prepare the cabbage leaves by cutting away the thick stem from each leaf, creating a flat surface to roll.
- Place a cabbage leaf on your work surface, with the thick vein facing down.
- Add about 1-1.5 tablespoons of the rice and vegetable filling to the center of the leaf.
- Roll the leaf tightly, starting from the stem end. Tuck in the sides as you roll to ensure the filling stays secure inside the leaf.
- Repeat the process for the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
Step 5: Steam the Cabbage Rolls
- Prepare a steamer or large pot with a steaming rack.
- Place the cabbage rolls in the steamer, seam-side down, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Steam the rolls for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rolls are heated through.
Step 6: Serve the Cabbage Rolls
- Spread some of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a serving dish.
- Place the steamed cabbage rolls on the dish and spoon a little more sauce over the top of each roll.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, and serve warm.
Notes:
- Serving Suggestions: Stuffed cabbage rolls are a hearty and healthy appetizer that pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. For a more filling meal, serve with a creamy mashed potato or as part of a Mediterranean spread.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the steamer or microwave.
This Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is the perfect dish for a cozy weekend dinner or a festive occasion. The combination of tender cabbage, savory rice, and aromatic tomato sauce will warm both your heart and your stomach. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a light main course, these stuffed rolls are sure to impress!
Enjoy this flavorful dish along with your favorite main course recipes, and don’t forget to pair it with a refreshing beverage for a truly satisfying meal!
