Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce Recipe

Looking for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian meal? Look no further than these delicious Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce! This recipe is a plant-based twist on a classic comfort food, packed with savory ingredients and simmered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce.

Cabbage rolls, also known as golabki, are traditionally filled with meat and rice. This vegetarian version substitutes the meat with a flavorful blend of lentils, rice, and vegetables, creating a satisfying and nutritious dish that everyone will love. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage (6-8 leaves). Blanch the leaves in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, rice, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Rolls: Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the filling onto the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cook the Rolls: Gently place the cabbage rolls into the tomato sauce, seam-side down. If needed, add a little water or vegetable broth to ensure the rolls are mostly covered in sauce.
6. Simmer: Cover the pot and simmer for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve: Serve hot, spooning extra tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls.

Tips and Variations:

• Add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.

Enjoy these comforting and flavorful Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce! They are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a classic dish. This is the perfect vegetarian cabbage roll recipe.

Ingredients:
cabbage, cooked lentils, cooked rice, diced onion, diced carrots, diced celery, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, olive oil

Tags:
Vegetarian, Cabbage Rolls, Tomato Sauce, Recipe, Lentils, Rice, Plant-Based, Golabki, Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls, Vegetarian Recipe, Comfort Food, Cabbage, Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Vegan, Meatless, Healthy, Main Course, Tomatoes, Italian, European Cuisine, Stuffed Cabbage, Cooked Lentils, Cooked Rice, Olive Oil, Oregano, Basil, Cabbage Roll Recipe