Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
These tender cabbage rolls are filled with a savory blend of rice, herbs, and aromatics, simmered in a rich tomato sauce for the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- •1 large head green cabbage
- •1 cup long-grain white rice, cooked
- •1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped (optional)
- •1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- •1 teaspoon dried oregano
- •2 cups tomato sauce
- •1 tablespoon olive oil
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- •1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core of the cabbage and carefully place the whole head into the boiling water for 3-5 minutes until the leaves are pliable. Remove, let cool, and peel off 8-10 large leaves.
- 2
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, half of the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped walnuts, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 3
Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the rice mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly to secure the filling.
- 4
In a large skillet, sauté the remaining onion in olive oil until translucent. Pour in the tomato sauce and lemon juice, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- 5
Nestle the cabbage rolls into the skillet, seam-side down. Cover and simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded.
- 6
Serve warm, spooning extra sauce from the pan over the rolls.
💡 Chef tips
- For easier rolling, trim the thick, fibrous stem at the base of each cabbage leaf with a paring knife before filling.
- These rolls can be assembled a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator; they actually taste better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- If you prefer a heartier texture, substitute half of the rice with cooked brown lentils or finely chopped sautéed mushrooms.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished rolls should be tender and silky to the touch, with a fragrant, tangy tomato aroma and a savory, herb-infused rice filling that melts in your mouth.