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Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls: Your New Comfort Food

These Vegan Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a nourishing blend of flavors, offering a healthy twist on comfort food.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 rolls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Vegan
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 cup Cooled Brown or Green Lentils Canned lentils can be used as a time-saver.
  • 1 cup Cooked Rice (White, Brown, or Basmati) Quinoa offers a gluten-free substitute.
  • 1 small Onion (Chopped) Feel free to use shallots for milder flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is best; garlic powder is an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Curry powder can provide an alternative flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander Can be omitted or replaced with cumin.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Adjust to taste preferences.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Any neutral oil can be used.
For the Cabbage Rolls
  • 1 medium head Green Cabbage Savoy cabbage can be used for extra tenderness.
  • to taste Water for Blanching
For the Sauce
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes Tomato passata serves as a good substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can work in a pinch.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar (optional) Maple syrup provides a vegan alternative.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • mixing bowl
  • tongs

Method
 

Cabbage Preparation
  1. Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the cabbage leaves for 3–4 minutes until tender yet crisp. Transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
Trimming Leaves
  1. Peel away 10–12 large leaves and trim the thick ribs to simplify rolling. Set aside on a clean kitchen towel.
Sautéing Vegetables
  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for about 3 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Combining Filling
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked lentils and rice with the sautéed onion and garlic. Add spices and cook over low heat for 2–3 minutes.
Preparing Sauce
  1. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion and garlic. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and sugar, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Oven Preheating
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for baking the rolls.
Assembling Rolls
  1. Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface, add filling at the base, fold sides inward, and roll tightly. Repeat until all filling is used.
Arranging in Baking Dish
  1. Spread a layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish and place cabbage rolls seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce on top.
Baking Rolls
  1. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden.
Resting and Serving
  1. Let the rolls rest for a few minutes after baking. Serve warm, garnished with parsley or dill.

Nutrition

Serving: 2rollsCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Choose fresh cabbage for easier rolling and better presentation. You can prepare the filling in advance for enhanced flavors.

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