Description
These Lentil & Brown Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a wholesome, plant-based twist on a classic comfort food. Filled with hearty lentils and nutty brown rice, seasoned with smoked paprika and thyme, and baked in a tangy tomato sauce, these rolls make a satisfying main course that’s perfect for meal prep or cozy dinners. Packed with fiber and protein, this vegetarian recipe is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Cabbage
- 1 head green cabbage
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage Leaves – Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently peel off 8 cabbage leaves from the head, being careful not to tear them. Boil the leaves for 3–4 minutes until they are soft and pliable. Drain and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Make the Filling – In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the cooked lentils, brown rice, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld, then remove from heat.
- Fill and Roll the Cabbage – Lay each cabbage leaf flat on a work surface. Spoon a portion of the lentil and rice filling onto the center of each leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the bottom up, tucking in the ends so the filling is enclosed.
- Arrange and Top with Sauce – Place the stuffed rolls seam side down in a baking dish in a single layer. Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top to cover all the rolls.
- Bake – Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes, until the rolls are tender and the sauce is bubbling. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use green or Savoy cabbage for easier rolling.
- Try adding chopped mushrooms or grated carrots to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- This dish freezes well; reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Serve with a dollop of yogurt (or non-dairy alternative) and fresh herbs for a bright finish.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg