Cabbage Rolls with Quinoa and Mushroom Filling

These Cabbage Rolls are a delicious and nutritious dish filled with a hearty mixture of quinoa, mushrooms, and potatoes. Wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, they make for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, these rolls are sure to be a hit at your dining table!

Preparation Time:

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cook time: 50 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • Cabbage: 1 head
  • Water: for boiling and cooking
  • Salt: 1 tsp (for cabbage)
  • Quinoa: 60 g (2.11 oz)
  • Water: 1.5 cups (300 ml) (for quinoa)
  • Onion: 1, chopped
  • Olive oil: for frying and drizzling
  • Mushrooms: 125 g (4.40 oz), sliced
  • Potatoes: 2, peeled and diced
  • Salt: to taste
  • Black pepper: to taste
  • Italian herbs: ½ tsp
  • Red onions: 2, sliced
  • Eggs: 4, beaten
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp

Directions:

  1. Prepare Cabbage Leaves:
    • Boil a large pot of water with 1 tsp of salt. Add the whole cabbage and boil the leaves for 2 minutes until softened. Remove and set aside.
  2. Cook Quinoa:
    • Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa with 1.5 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
  3. Prepare Filling:
    • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add sliced mushrooms and diced potatoes, cooking for another 10 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
  4. Mix Filling:
    • In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa with the sautéed mixture. Mix well and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Assemble Cabbage Rolls:
    • Place a spoonful of the filling on each cabbage leaf, folding the sides over and rolling tightly. Arrange the rolls in a baking dish.
  6. Prepare Topping:
    • In a separate bowl, combine sliced red onions, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread this mixture over the cabbage rolls.
  7. Bake:
    • Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Bake the cabbage rolls for about 30 minutes until heated through and golden.
  8. Prepare Sauce:
    • In a small skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add beaten eggs, cooking until just set, then remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and black pepper.
  9. Serve:
    • Drizzle the egg mixture over the cabbage rolls before serving. Enjoy your delicious cabbage rolls!

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
  • Drizzle with additional lemon juice for brightness.

Cooking Tips:

  • Ensure the cabbage leaves are soft enough to roll easily. If they are still tough, boil them a little longer.
  • Feel free to customize the filling with other vegetables or proteins.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Cabbage is low in calories and rich in vitamins K and C.
  • Quinoa is a complete protein, providing essential amino acids.
  • Mushrooms add flavor and are a good source of antioxidants.

Dietary Information:

  • Vegetarian
  • Can be made vegan by omitting eggs or using a plant-based alternative.

Nutritional Facts (per roll, based on 8 servings):

  • Calories: Approximately 150
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sugar: 2 g

Storage:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving. Can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Healthy and filling, packed with nutrients and flavor.
  • Versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
  • Great for meal prep and easy to make in large batches.

Conclusion:

These Cabbage Rolls with Quinoa and Mushroom Filling are not only delicious but also a healthy choice for any meal. They are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a comforting dish or a fancy dinner. Try making them for your next gathering or family meal!


Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
    Yes, you can substitute with rice or farro.
  2. What can I add to the filling?
    Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
  3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the rolls in advance and bake them when ready to serve.
  4. How do I store leftovers?
    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  5. Can I freeze the cabbage rolls?
    Yes, they freeze well. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
  6. What can I use instead of eggs in the topping?
    You can use a flax egg or silken tofu for a vegan option.
  7. Are these rolls gluten-free?
    Yes, if you ensure the quinoa and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  8. How spicy is this dish?
    It’s not spicy, but you can add chili flakes for heat.
  9. Can I skip the baking step?
    Yes, you can steam the rolls if preferred.
  10. How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
    They should be heated through and slightly golden on top.