Vegan Cabbage Rolls are a delightful and nourishing dish that brings a touch of warmth and comfort to any meal. This tasty recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into tender, flavorful rolls, perfect for a healthy side or a light lunch.
To create this delicious dish, simply combine hearty lentils, savory vegetables, and a blend of herbs and spices. Wrap the mixture in fresh cabbage leaves and bake until the rolls are tender and infused with flavor. The result is a beautiful and nutritious treat that’s sure to be loved by everyone.
Ideal for dinner parties or cozy family meals, this recipe is easy to make and offers a unique flavor. Each bite contains the tender and earthy taste of cabbage with a savory, herbaceous filling, similar to traditional Stuffed Bagels or Dirty Rice Stuffed Peppers. Savor the goodness of Vegan Cabbage Rolls and add a new favorite to your collection of healthy recipes.
Overview: How To Make Vegan Cabbage Rolls?
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the tomato sauce and stir until well blended. Set the sauce aside for later use.
Step 2: Make the ‘Meat’ Filling
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions, a pinch of salt, and pepper, sautéing for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and golden. Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for another minute. In a medium bowl, combine the vegan ground beef, cooked and cooled rice, onion and garlic mixture, fennel, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and spread 1 cup of tomato sauce in a casserole dish. Core the cabbage, removing a cone-shaped section from the stem. Boil the cabbage in a large pot of water for about 3 minutes, then carefully remove leaves two at a time with tongs. Continue until you have 16-18 leaves.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Trim a V-shaped notch from the thick part of each leaf and spoon ¼ cup of filling into the center. Roll each leaf up burrito-style, placing seam side down in the dish. Once all rolls are arranged, cover with the remaining sauce, shake gently to distribute, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 2 hours and 45 minutes. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Why You Will Love This Recipe?
You’ll love this vegan cabbage roll recipe for its comforting and hearty nature. Each roll is filled with a delicious mixture of grains, beans, and spices, making it a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful just like our Butternut Squash Lasagna Rolls.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the filling based on your preferences. You can use quinoa, rice, or lentils, and add your favorite vegetables or herbs for a personal touch. The flexibility makes it easy to create a dish that suits your taste.
Preparing vegan cabbage rolls is also an enjoyable cooking experience. As you roll each cabbage leaf around the flavorful filling, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Finally, these cabbage rolls are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The cabbage provides fiber and vitamins, while the filling offers a good source of protein and healthy carbohydrates. Enjoy a guilt-free meal that nourishes both body and soul!
Vegan Cabbage Rolls
Equipment
- 1 9×13 casserole dish
Ingredients
sauce
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- ½ tsp granulated garlic
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1½ tbsp red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
cabbage rolls
- 1 large green cabbage
- 2 packages impossible burger ground beef
- pinch of black pepper
- 1½ cups rice, cooked and cooled
- ¼ tsp ground fennel
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 medium- large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tbsp grapeseed or olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix all sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Sauté diced onions in oil over medium heat with salt and pepper for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Let cool, then combine with vegan ground beef, rice, fennel, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Cut a cone shape around the stem of the cabbage.
- Boil a large pot of water and cook the cabbage for about 3 minutes.
- Remove leaves two at a time, continuing until you have 16-18 leaves.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Spread 1 cup of sauce in a casserole dish.
- Place a cabbage leaf on a board, trim the rib, and fill with ¼ cup of the mixture.
- Roll burrito-style and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Cover with remaining sauce, seal with foil, and bake for 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the spice levels in the filling by adding more or less of your favorite spices, such as smoked paprika or chili powder, to suit your taste preferences.
- These cabbage rolls can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 69 g |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Vitamin C | 139 mg |
| Iron | 3.4 mg |
| Sugar | 25 g |
| Calcium | 276 mg |
Helpful Tips For You
- Choose the Right Cabbage: Look for a firm head of green cabbage for easy rolling. Remove the outer leaves and carefully peel off the inner leaves to use for stuffing.
- Blanch the Cabbage Leaves: Before rolling, blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for a few minutes to soften them. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
- Flavor the Filling: Enhance the taste of your filling by adding herbs, spices, and aromatics such as garlic, onion, or nutritional yeast. This will give your rolls a more robust flavor.
- Use a Variety of Fillings: Feel free to mix and match grains, beans, and vegetables in the filling. Quinoa, brown rice, lentils, and finely chopped mushrooms or bell peppers work well together.
What to Serve With Vegan Cabbage Rolls?
- Spicy Red Quinoa Salad
- Chocolate Protein Smoothie
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Honey Gochujang Sauce
- Blueberry Kefir Smoothie
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, you can use other types of cabbage, such as savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage. Just ensure that the leaves are large enough to hold the filling and can be easily rolled.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cabbage rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just cook them before serving for a quick and easy meal.
What can I use instead of rice in the filling?
You can substitute rice with quinoa, lentils, farro, or even finely chopped vegetables for a lower-carb option. Just ensure that whatever you use is cooked before adding it to the filling.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What sauce goes well with cabbage rolls?
Vegan cabbage rolls pair well with a variety of sauces, such as tomato sauce, marinara, or a simple vegetable broth. You can also drizzle them with a vegan béchamel or tahini sauce for added flavor.
