Cabbage Rolls II

Cabbage Rolls II Recipe: A Tasty and Healthy Dish to Try

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cabbage Rolls II is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of barley, mushrooms, and tomatoes, all topped with a flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe is a great option for a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

History

Cabbage rolls have a long history and are a popular dish in many cultures around the world. They are believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, where they are known as "golubtsi" in Russian and "holubky" in Slovak. Cabbage rolls are often served at special occasions and celebrations, and each region has its own unique variation of the dish.

Ingredients

Sauce

1 stalk of celery, diced
0.25 cup of finely chopped red onions
3 tbsp of defatted chicken stock (vegetarians can use vegetable stock instead)
1.5 cups of finely chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp of minced fresh basil
1 tbsp of rice vinegar
1 tsp of minced fresh oregano

Cabbage rolls

0.5 cup of chopped red onions
0.5 cup of chopped mushrooms
1 tsp of minced garlic
2 tbsp of defatted chicken stock (vegetarians can use vegetable stock instead)
2 cups of cooked rice or barley
0.5 cup of diced tomatoes
3 tbsp of bread crumbs
2 tsp of low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp of minced fresh parsley
0.5 tsp of curry powder
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
8 medium cabbage leaves

How to prepare

Sauce

In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) saucepan, sauté the celery and onions in the stock over medium-low heat for about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, basil, vinegar, and oregano.
Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Set aside while you make the rolls.

Cabbage rolls

In a small saucepan over low heat, sauté the onions, mushrooms, and garlic in the stock for 3 to 5 minutes.
Transfer to a large bowl.
Stir in the rice or barley, tomatoes, bread crumbs, soy sauce, parsley, curry, and pepper.
Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for about 3 minutes, or until pliable.
Drain.
Place about 0.5 cup of mixture on each leaf.
Roll the leaf tightly to enclose the filling.
Coat a 9x9 baking dish with no-stick spray.
Add the rolls, seam side down.
Spread 1 cup of the tomato sauce over the rolls.
Cover with foil and bake at 400°F (204°C) for 25 to 35 minutes.
Serve the heated cabbage rolls with the remaining sauce.

Variations

You can use quinoa or rice instead of barley for a different flavor and texture.
Add ground meat or tofu to the filling for extra protein.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to blanch the cabbage leaves before filling and rolling them to make them pliable and easier to work with.

- You can customize the filling by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources.

- Serve the cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cabbage Rolls II with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the cabbage leaves before filling and rolling them helps to soften them and make them easier to work with.

- Baking the cabbage rolls in a flavorful tomato sauce helps to infuse them with delicious flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of grain, such as quinoa or rice, in place of barley.

- Substitute the mushrooms with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini.

- Use gluten-free bread crumbs if you have a gluten intolerance.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cabbage rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This is a great option for meal prep or for entertaining guests.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the cabbage rolls on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cabbage Rolls II pairs well with a light and refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cabbage Rolls II contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cabbage Rolls II contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cabbage Rolls II contains approximately 2 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cabbage Rolls II contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cabbage Rolls II is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.

Alergens

Cabbage Rolls II contains gluten from the barley and soy from the soy sauce.

Summary

Cabbage Rolls II is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cabbage Rolls II is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Filled with a savory mixture of barley, mushrooms, and tomatoes, and topped with a flavorful tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through a box of old recipe cards that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed cards, my eyes fell upon a worn piece of paper with the title "Cabbage Rolls II" scrawled across the top in faded ink.

I remember the excitement that coursed through me as I read through the ingredients and instructions. Cabbage rolls had always been a favorite dish of mine, but I had never attempted to make them myself. The recipe seemed simple enough, but there was something about it that felt special, as if it held a secret that only I could unlock.

I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients – ground beef, rice, cabbage, and a savory tomato sauce. As I chopped and mixed and rolled, I couldn't help but think of all the hands that had touched this recipe before me. My grandmother, her mother before her, and who knows how many generations back. Each one adding their own twist, their own flair, until it had become the masterpiece that now lay before me.

As the cabbage rolls baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with their tantalizing aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. This was more than just a recipe – it was a connection to my past, a link to the women who had come before me and the traditions they had passed down through the generations.

When the timer finally dinged, I carefully removed the steaming dish from the oven and set it on the table. The cabbage rolls glistened with a golden sheen, the tomato sauce bubbling around them like a warm embrace. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I took my first bite, a flood of memories washed over me. I remembered sitting at my grandmother's kitchen table as a child, watching in awe as she effortlessly whipped up batch after batch of her famous cabbage rolls. I could still hear her voice, gentle and soothing, guiding me through the process as if she were right there beside me.

With each bite, I could taste the love and care that had gone into this dish. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a symphony of taste that danced on my tongue. It was comfort food at its finest, a warm hug on a plate that reminded me of home and all the wonderful meals I had enjoyed there over the years.

As I savored the last bite of cabbage roll, a sense of contentment washed over me. I had unlocked the secret of this recipe, unraveling the threads of history that bound me to my past. And as I sat back in my chair, full and happy, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart.

And so, I tucked the recipe card back into its rightful place in the box, knowing that it would be passed down to future generations, just as it had been passed down to me. And as I closed the lid, I whispered a silent thank you to all the women who had come before me, for their wisdom, their guidance, and their delicious cabbage rolls.