Savory Cabbage Rolls with Vegetables and Bacon

Introduction

These Savory Cabbage Rolls are a delightful fusion of tender blanched cabbage leaves, a vibrant vegetable medley, and a touch of smoky bacon. Perfect as an appetizer, they combine a balance of freshness and indulgence that will impress your guests. This recipe makes 18 rolls, ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a light starter.

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Cabbage leaves (Savoy)	900 g
Leeks	100 g + extra
Zucchini	200 g
Carrots	150 g
Mantua pumpkin (peeled weight)	100 g
Walnuts	80 g
Smoked bacon	100 g
Extra virgin olive oil	30 g
Fine salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approximation)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	75 kcal
Protein	3.2 g
Fat	5.5 g
Carbohydrates	4.8 g
Fiber	1.2 g
Sodium	85 mg

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Instructions

Preparing the Filling

1. Wash and Prep the Vegetables

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   • Rinse the carrots, zucchini, and pumpkin thoroughly under cold running water. Peel the carrots and slice them into uniform matchsticks. Cut the zucchini into small cubes. For the pumpkin, remove the seeds, peel it, and cut into 0.5 cm cubes until you have 100 g of clean pumpkin flesh.

2. Slice the Leeks

   • Slice the leek into thin rounds and divide evenly between two bowls.

3. Combine the Ingredients

   • Mix the carrots, zucchini, and pumpkin into each bowl of leeks. Chop the walnuts coarsely and add them to both bowls, mixing well to create a vibrant filling.

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Preparing the Cabbage

4. Blanch the Leaves

   • Carefully separate 9 large cabbage leaves, rinse them under cold water, and boil in a large pot of salted water for 5 minutes.

5. Cool and Trim

   • Drain the cabbage leaves and lay them out on a tray to cool. Using a sharp knife, trim away the thick central vein by cutting a small triangular notch, then halve the leaves.

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Assembling the Rolls

6. Prepare Two Types of Rolls
   • Vegetable Rolls: Place a spoonful of vegetable filling in the center of each cabbage leaf half. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly to form a neat parcel.
   • Bacon-Wrapped Rolls: Add a spoonful of the vegetable filling onto a cabbage leaf half, wrap it up, and then enclose it with a slice of smoked bacon, securing it snugly.

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Cooking the Rolls

7. Parboil Extra Leek

   • Blanch an additional leek leaf in hot water for 2 minutes. Use this to tie the rolls if needed for presentation.

8. Pan-Sear the Rolls

   • Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sear the vegetable rolls first for 1 minute on each side, followed by the bacon-wrapped rolls. Season lightly with salt and pepper as you cook.

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Serving

9. Serve Warm
   • Arrange the rolls on a platter, alternating between the vegetable and bacon-wrapped varieties for a visually appealing presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors.

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Tips and Variations

• Nuts: Substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans for a different nutty profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the bacon with thin strips of marinated tofu or omit entirely.
• Make Ahead: Prep the rolls in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Pan-sear just before serving.

Enjoy these delectable cabbage rolls and elevate your appetizer game with a dish that celebrates both simplicity and sophistication!