Vegan Cabbage Rolls

Vegan Cabbage Rolls: A Flavorful and Nutritious Delight

Cabbage rolls are a classic dish that brings comfort and satisfaction, and this vegan version is no exception. Packed with a hearty filling of rice, vegetables, and spices, these Vegan Cabbage Rolls are both delicious and nutritious. Topped with a savory sauce and garnished with sesame seeds, they make a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re a long-time fan of cabbage rolls or new to the dish, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) dry sushi rice or any short-grain rice
• 1 large napa cabbage (10-12 leaves)
• 1 tbsp oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, diced
• ¾ tbsp ginger, minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium (120 g) carrot, diced
• 2 medium (70 g) peppers, diced
• 8 white button mushrooms, diced (canned or fresh)
• 2 tbsp tamari or coconut aminos
• ½ tsp each of sea salt, ground pepper, onion powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
• Sesame seeds, to garnish

For the Sauce:

• 1 tsp oil, e.g., sesame oil
• ½ tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ tbsp tamari or coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• ¾ tbsp maple syrup
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• ½ tbsp cornstarch
• Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the Rice:
Start by soaking the sushi rice in a bowl with plenty of water for 45-60 minutes, then drain. In a saucepan, cook the rice with water and a pinch of salt until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Set the cooked rice aside.

2. Prepare the Cabbage and Veggies:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 3-4 cabbage leaves at a time and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Transfer the leaves to a bowl of cold water to cool, then set aside. Repeat with the remaining leaves.

In a skillet, heat 1/2 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced ginger, garlic, carrot, peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are slightly softened. Add the tamari and spices, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

3. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:
Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Stir well to combine, ensuring the mixture is evenly seasoned. Place a cabbage leaf on a plate and spoon 1 1/2 – 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture into the center of the leaf. Fold in the sides and top over the filling, then roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

4. Pan Sear the Rolls:
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1/2 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 5 cabbage rolls and pan sear them for a few minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Remove the rolls from the skillet and repeat with the remaining rolls.

5. Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tamari, rice vinegar, and maple syrup, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Mix the water with cornstarch to create a slurry, then pour it into the saucepan. Add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika to taste. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

6. Serve:
Arrange the pan-seared cabbage rolls on a serving platter. Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring each roll is generously coated. Garnish with sesame seeds for a finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful, comforting dish!

Recipe Notes

These Vegan Cabbage Rolls are incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the filling by adding other vegetables or using different types of rice. The sauce adds a delightful depth of flavor, but feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as the rolls reheat beautifully.

Nutrition

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Calories: 180 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

These Vegan Cabbage Rolls are a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. With their flavorful filling and delicious sauce, they’re sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. Enjoy!

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