Description
These Vegan Cabbage Rolls are a wholesome, plant-based version of the classic dish, filled with lentils, rice, and veggies, then baked in a flavorful tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 large green cabbage (about 2.5 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 cup cooked brown or green lentils
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups canned crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
Instructions
- Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully peel off 10 to 12 large leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until softened, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent, then add grated carrot and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Add lentils, rice, tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until well combined and fragrant.
- In a bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, maple syrup, and soy sauce to prepare the sauce. Pour about ½ cup of the sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling into each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly. Place rolls seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, cover the dish with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes.
- Let the cabbage rolls cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
- Red cabbage can be used, but it takes longer to soften.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
- Can be made a day ahead and reheated easily.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 2-3 rolls)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
