Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 head of cabbage (for wrapping)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup red lentils
• 200g mushrooms (button mushrooms recommended)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Oil for frying
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup rice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup tomato sauce (or 2 tablespoons tomato paste mixed with 1 cup water)

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• Plain yogurt (for serving as a side or topping)

Steps to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Lentils and Rice:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

1. Prepare the Cabbage: Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves. For easier rolling, blanch the leaves by dipping them into a pot of boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Transfer them to cold water to halt cooking and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Lentils: Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water. In a small saucepan, add the lentils with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook the lentils for 10-12 minutes until soft but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set the lentils aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Mushrooms and Carrot: Add the finely chopped mushrooms and grated carrot to the skillet with the onions. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
4. Season the Mixture: Stir in the salt, paprika, and black pepper to the mixture. Mix well to ensure that the vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.
5. Add Rice and Lentils: Stir in the cooked lentils and the uncooked rice. Mix thoroughly to combine. Add the chopped parsley for freshness.
6. Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in 1/2 cup of the prepared tomato sauce (or tomato paste and water mixture) into the filling mixture. Stir until well combined. This will help the rice start to soften and add flavor to the filling.

Step 3: Roll the Cabbage Rolls

1. Assemble the Rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the filling at the base of the leaf. Roll up the leaf tightly, folding in the sides to secure the filling inside, and continue to roll until the leaf is fully wrapped around the filling.
2. Repeat: Continue this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling until all the rolls are assembled.

Step 4: Cook the Cabbage Rolls

1. Layer in Pot: In a large pot, add a few spoonfuls of tomato sauce to the bottom. Arrange the cabbage rolls in a single layer, seam-side down, and then layer additional rolls on top if needed.
2. Add Remaining Tomato Sauce: Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls. Add enough water to the pot to almost cover the rolls, ensuring they cook evenly.
3. Simmer: Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the rice inside the rolls is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.

Step 5: Serve with Yogurt Sauce

1. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: While the cabbage rolls are simmering, prepare a simple yogurt sauce by stirring plain yogurt until smooth.
2. Serve: Serve the warm cabbage rolls with a dollop of yogurt sauce and garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Approximate values per stuffed roll (serving size depends on roll quantity)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Fat: 5 grams
• Fiber: 4 grams
• Sodium: 400 mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1: Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, you can use Savoy or Napa cabbage, which also work well for rolling and have a tender texture.

Q2: Can I make the cabbage rolls gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them if your recipe includes them in the filling.

Q3: Do I need to pre-cook the rice?
In this recipe, uncooked rice is added to the filling as it will cook during the simmering process. However, if you’re in a rush, you can use pre-cooked rice and reduce the simmering time.

Q4: Can I freeze leftover cabbage rolls?
Yes, cooked cabbage rolls can be frozen. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as desired.

Tips for Making the Best Cabbage Rolls:

1. Blanching the Cabbage Leaves:
   To make rolling easier, soften the cabbage leaves in boiling water. This helps prevent tearing and makes them easier to handle.
2. Adjust Seasoning to Taste:
   Before assembling, taste the filling to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking. This is your chance to add extra salt, pepper, or spices.
3. Don’t Overfill the Rolls:
   Avoid overfilling each cabbage leaf to prevent them from bursting during cooking. A tablespoon or two of filling per leaf is usually enough.
4. Simmer Slowly for Tender Rolls:
   Allow the cabbage rolls to simmer on low heat, as this helps the flavors meld together and ensures the cabbage and rice cook evenly.
5. Use Fresh Herbs:
   Fresh parsley or dill can add a burst of flavor to the filling or as a garnish. Fresh herbs elevate the taste and bring a brightness to the dish.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration:
   Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop as desired.
2. Freezing:
   Allow the cabbage rolls to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or microwave.
3. Yogurt Sauce Storage:
   If you have leftover yogurt sauce, store it separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Conclusion:

These stuffed cabbage rolls with lentils and rice make a wholesome, plant-based meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. With tender cabbage leaves enveloping a hearty filling, these rolls are perfect for family meals or gatherings. The tangy yogurt sauce adds a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the rolls, creating a balance that’s sure to please any palate. Plus, with easy-to-follow instructions and versatile ingredients, this recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore vegetarian cooking. Enjoy these nutritious cabbage rolls fresh, or make them ahead for convenient, tasty meals.