Craving a hearty, delicious meal that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than these mouthwatering Vegetarian Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls! Gone are the days of complicated, time-consuming stuffed cabbage recipes. This simplified version delivers all the rich, comforting flavors you love, with a fraction of the prep work. Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delectable Eastern European-inspired dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Eastern European
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the cabbage, chopping it into bite-sized pieces, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and slightly golden, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
- Add chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, stirring to combine with the cabbage and onions.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, mixing thoroughly with the cabbage and tomatoes.
- Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check cabbage for tenderness. The dish is ready when cabbage is soft and flavors have melded together.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving hot.
Tips
- Choose a fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture and flavor. Look for heads that are firm and have tight, bright green leaves.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider toasting the rice before cooking or using vegetable broth instead of water when preparing it.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - allowing the onions and garlic to caramelize slowly will build a rich flavor base for the dish.
- If you prefer a saucier consistency, you can add a bit of vegetable broth or tomato sauce to the skillet while simmering.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to meld and develop overnight.
- For added protein, consider mixing in some plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils with the rice.
- Experiment with seasonings - try adding smoked paprika, a dash of cayenne, or some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a personal touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
