Nothing beats the joy of gathering around a table filled with comforting and flavorsome dishes. In this recipe, we’re bringing the essence of Lebanese cuisine into your home with our delightful Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. These rolls are a harmonious blend of tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of rice, chickpeas, and aromatic spices – a true treat for your taste buds! Let’s dive into creating this delicious meal that is sure to become a new favorite at your table.
**Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 large head of cabbage
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tomatoes, diced
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 3 cups vegetable broth
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Start by carefully removing the outer leaves of the cabbage, keeping them whole. Place the head of cabbage in a large pot of boiling water. Allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the leaves are tender and pliable. Remove the cabbage and let it cool before gently peeling off the leaves. Set them aside.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the rice, chickpeas, onion, garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
3. Take a cabbage leaf and place a generous spoonful of the rice and chickpea mixture at the base of the leaf. Roll the leaf over the filling, tucking in the sides as you go, to create a neat little parcel. Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.
4. Place a layer of cabbage leaves at the bottom of a large pot to prevent sticking. Carefully arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in the pot, seam side down, making sure they fit snugly together.
5. Pour the vegetable broth over the cabbage rolls until they are halfway submerged. Cover the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
6. Once cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
These Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a wonderful way to introduce a taste of Lebanon into your home cooking repertoire. They are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes with their beautifully wrapped cabbage leaves. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a wholesome and satisfying meal, these cabbage rolls are sure to hit the spot. Enjoy the process of creating these little parcels of joy and savor the heartwarming flavors they bring to your table.
