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Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: Easy Healthy Comfort Food

Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a flavorful, healthy comfort food option.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings 6 rolls
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • baking dish
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

For the Filling

  • 1 cup cooked brown or green lentils
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or basmati)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cabbage Rolls

  • 1 medium head of green cabbage
  • as needed water for blanching

For the Tomato Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

  • Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and trim damaged ones. Blanch in boiling water for 3-4 minutes.
  • Carefully remove and cool the cabbage, then peel off 10-12 large leaves. Trim the thick rib at the base of each leaf.

Step 2: Make the Filling

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add cooked lentils and rice, along with cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

  • In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place 2-3 tablespoons of filling at the base. Roll tightly.
  • Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in a baking dish and pour sauce over them.

Step 5: Bake the Cabbage Rolls

  • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes.
  • Let rest for a few minutes before serving, garnish with parsley or dill.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Pairs well with vegan sour cream or tahini sauce. Great for leftovers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 8gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg
Keyword Cabbage Rolls, comfort food, healthy recipes, Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, Vegetarian Meals
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