Ingredients:

For the cabbage rolls:

  • 1 large head of green cabbage
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or any grain of your choice)
  • 1 cup cooked and drained lentils or chickpeas (or a mixture of both)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the tomato sauce:

  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Core the cabbage: Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves. You may need to blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to soften them. Once softened, remove and drain them on paper towels.
  2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked lentils or chickpeas, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
  3. Prepare the sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they become translucent. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
  4. Assemble the cabbage rolls: Take a cabbage leaf, place a spoonful of the filling in the center, and fold the sides inwards. Roll up the cabbage leaf to form a tight roll. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
  5. Cook the cabbage rolls: Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in a large pot or casserole dish. Pour the tomato sauce over them, making sure they are covered. You can add a little water if needed. Cover the pot or dish.
  6. Simmer and cook: Simmer the cabbage rolls over low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage leaves are tender and the filling is cooked through.
  7. Serve: Once the cabbage rolls are ready, remove them from the pot or dish and serve them hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired.

Enjoy your delicious vegan cabbage rolls! You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the filling or sauce to suit your taste