Ingredients
3 lbs head of green cabbage (or larger if unavailable)
1 oz dried porcini mushrooms
1/4 cup lentils
1/4 cup brown rice
1 tsp sea salt, divided
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 lb cremini mushrooms, stems removed and sliced thick
1/2 cup shallot, small chop
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or toasted sourdough)
1 tablespoon tomato paste, divided
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Fresh thyme leaves from about 7 stems, divided
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Reserved mushroom soaking liquid
Dry white wine and/or vegetable broth as needed
Additional ground black pepper for seasoning
Instructions
1-Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves Start by bringing a large stockpot of water to a boil and simmer the whole head of green cabbage for 9 minutes, turning it halfway through. Let it cool, then gently remove at least 10 large intact leaves by cutting around the base of the stem. Use any torn leaves to line a baking dish or set them aside for another use this keeps the rolls from sticking and adds extra flavor.
2-Step 2: Rehydrate the Porcini Mushrooms Pour 2 cups of hot water over 1 oz of dried porcini mushrooms and let them soak for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and reserve it for the sauce, then chop the rehydrated mushrooms. This step brings a deep, umami taste to your mushroom stuffed cabbage rolls that really stands out.
3-Step 3: Cook the Lentils and Rice In a saucepan, combine 1/4 cup lentils, 1/4 cup brown rice, 1 1/2 cups water, 1/4 tsp of the sea salt, and 1 bay leaf. Cook over low heat for 35-40 minutes until tender, then set aside. This base adds heartiness to the stuffed cabbage and helps bind the filling together.
Continue with sautΓ©ing the cremini mushrooms and shallots, then mix and assemble the rolls as outlined in the directions. The full process results in rolls that are slightly golden and crispy after baking for 40-50 minutes at 350Β°F (175Β°C).
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
πΏ Handle boiled cabbage leaves gently to keep them intact; cutting around the stem base helps.
π₯£ Stuffing and sauce can be prepared up to two days ahead; assemble rolls a day before if desired.
π Plan for one to two rolls per person depending on appetite.
π½οΈ Savoy cabbage can be used as an alternative; boil leaves about 5 minutes.
πΎ Breadcrumbs add texture and help bind filling; gluten-free substitute with extra cooked sticky rice.
π· For a non-tomato sauce option, use vegetable broth with white wine and herbs thickened with cornstarch.
π₯ Avoid baking stovetop to prevent bottom burning.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking and simmering
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 138 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 394 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
