Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Recipe | The Nosher (2024)

Vegetarian

Classic, tangy stuffed cabbage, filled with rice and eggplant instead of meat.

BySonya Sanford|

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From Italy to Poland, from Ukraine to China, stuffed cabbage is a classic comfort food in many parts of the world. While it takes some time to make, the effort put into the dish is rewarded in its results: The cabbage turns tender and sweet, and the savory filling is enhanced by the tanginess of the tomato sauce it slowly simmers in.

Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Recipe | The Nosher (1)

While stuffed cabbage is typically made with ground meat, this Ashkenazi-style stuffed cabbage is vegetarian and is made with eggplant. The recipe for the filling is versatile, it is gluten and dairy-free, and it can be made vegan by omitting the egg. If you’re not a fan of eggplant, you can replace the eggplant with zucchini or your favorite vegan ground meat substitute. If you prefer meat, you can substitute the eggplant in this recipe for an equal amount of ground beef or chicken. I find the eggplant offers its own “meatiness” to the dish; and when it is peeled and cut into small cubes it becomes tender and soft, and easily absorbs the flavors of the caramelized onion, garlic and spices that help create the unmistakable flavors of Eastern European-style stuffed cabbage. The sauce is slightly sweet and sour, and it demands to be eaten with a slice of good crusty bread to mop up any last drops.

If you’re like my Ukrainian Jewish family, you might also want to serve this stuffed cabbage alongside creamy mashed potatoes. Top the stuffed cabbage rolls with parsley, dill and a dollop of sour cream, and you’ll have a hearty, comforting meal.

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Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Recipe | The Nosher (2)
★★★★★5 from 1 review
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This stuffed cabbage recipe is true vegetarian comfort food.

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 4-6 1x

Ingredients

UnitsScale

For the cabbage rolls:

  • 1 large Savoy or green cabbage
  • cups basmati rice, rinsed
  • 3 Tbsp neutral cooking oil
  • 1 large onion, diced fine
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced fine
  • 1 ½ lb (2 medium) eggplant, peeled and cubed small
  • 1 small carrot, diced fine
  • 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp umami season blend/dried mushroom seasoning blend (optional)
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 large egg, optional

For the sauce:

  • 28 oz tomato purée, plus an equal amount of water
  • ½ a large onion, finely chopped
  • 34 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 small apple, peeled and finely diced
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 23 Tbsp maple syrup, or 2 tsp sugar, or to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. To prep the cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water generously, and then add the cabbage to the water. Boil the cabbage for 4-5 minutes. Then remove the cabbage from the pot and allow it to cool. Reserve the water to boil the rice.
  2. Once cool to the touch, remove the leaves, and place them on a clean kitchen towel to remove any excess liquid. The center of the cabbage/smaller leaves will not be as pliable and can be reserved for other uses.
  3. To make the filling:Bring the pot of water back to a boil, and add the rice. Boil the rice for 8-10 minutes, or until partially cooked. Drain and reserve.
  4. To a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil and chopped onion. Allow the onion to get golden brown and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes. This step takes some time but adds a lot of flavor; prep the other vegetables while the onion caramelizes. Add the garlic to the onion, and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add the cubed eggplant and diced carrot to the onion mixture; add more oil if needed. Generously season with salt and pepper, and sauté the eggplant mixture until the eggplant is softened, about 10-15 minutes. Taste, and adjust the seasoning.
  5. Turn off the heat. Add the par-boiled rice, garlic powder, paprika and, if using, add the umami/dried mushroom seasoning blend. Allow the eggplant filling to cool. Add the egg if using, and mix until it is well combined.
  6. To make the sauce: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onions and garlic until softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes. Add the apple, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes or until slightly softened. Add tomato paste and stir and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce, and add an equal amount of water. Then add bay leaf, salt, pepper and maple syrup or sugar. Your sauce should start out very thin, but it will thicken as it cooks. Bring the sauce to a boil, and simmer on low for at least 30 minutes. Taste the sauce before adding the stuffed cabbage, and adjust for salt or sweetness. Dilute with more water if needed.
  7. To assemble: Separate the cabbage leaves, and cut out the thickest part of the center vein/core.
  8. Fill each cabbage leaf with approximately ¼-cup of filling near the base of the leaf. Fold the base of the leaf over the filling, fold the sides of the leaf towards the center, and then roll until the cabbage is formed into a burrito-like package. Place seam-side down into the pot; cabbage rolls can be stacked on top of each other as long as they are all submerged in the sauce.
  9. Cover the pot, and let the cabbage simmer for 50-60 minutes on low heat, or until tender and the rice is completely cooked through. Add more water if the sauce appears too thick at any point, or when reheating. The sauce should be easy to spoon over the cabbage.
  10. Serve topped with fresh herbs and/or sour cream.
  • Author: Sonya Sanford
  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vegetarian

1 comments

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  • Ashley BonesNovember 7, 2023

    Thank you for this recipe. I substitute the apple with a pear and a splash of apple vinegar; my family loves it!

    Reply

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Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Recipe | The Nosher (2024)

FAQs

Why are my stuffed cabbage rolls tough? ›

If your cooked cabbage is tough, it's likely because the cabbage is not cooked through yet. Continue to cook the rolls until they're tender. It's also important to make sure you let the rolls rest after they're finished baking.

What is Polish stuffed cabbage made of? ›

"Polish cabbage rolls (filled with a mixture of rice, pork, and beef) stewed in tomatoes.

Why is stuffed cabbage good for you? ›

Like its relatives, cabbage is high in anti-cancer and detoxifying sulfur-containing compounds. It is also very high in vitamins K and C and a good source of beta-carotene.

Is cabbage kosher for Passover? ›

Cabbage Red or White

At that point the cabbage is acceptable.

What is the difference between Polish and Ukrainian cabbage rolls? ›

Recipes vary depending on region; northern Poles prefer a savory sauce, while Galicia, Hungary and Ukraine favor sweet-and-sour, for example.

What nationality eats the most cabbage? ›

China produces nearly half of the world's cabbage while Russia consumes the most per person. The average Russian eats about 44 pounds of cabbage a year. That compares to the 8.6 pounds eaten by Americans. Raw cabbage is rich in vitamin C.

Why do you put baking soda in cabbage? ›

Adding baking soda to your boiling cabbage can help reduce the objectionable smell and maintain the green color long after when it typically turns grayish from cooking for too long. However, this may rid the cabbage of its nutritional value.

What are German cabbage rolls made of? ›

In a large bowl combine beef, pork and bacon along with the rice, onions, half the garlic and spices as desired. Gently mix vegetable and spices with meat. To make rolls take one leaf, Place a dollop of the meat mixture on leaf. Fold bottom of leaf up over meat then fold sides in and roll.

What happens to your body when you eat cabbage? ›

It's Good for Your Digestion

Cabbage has 1 gram of fiber for every 10 calories. That helps fill you up, so you eat less. It also keeps you regular, and it could help lower your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and control your blood sugar. Cabbage also has nutrients that keep the lining of your stomach and intestines strong.

What does cabbage do to your insides? ›

It helps improve digestion

This crunchy vegetable is full of gut-friendly insoluble fiber, a type of carbohydrate that can't be broken down in the intestines. Insoluble fiber helps keep the digestive system healthy by adding bulk to stool and promoting regular bowel movements ( 24 ).

How long can you eat stuffed cabbage? ›

Refrigeration: Do you want to eat the stuffed cabbage in the next week? If so, place them in the refrigerator. The stuffed cabbage will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

What are the 5 forbidden foods on Passover? ›

The tradition goes back to the 13th century, when custom dictated a prohibition against wheat, barley, oats, rice, rye and spelt, Rabbi Amy Levin said on NPR in 2016.

What vegetable is not kosher? ›

Some particularly severe problem vegetables are artichokes, asparagus, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and leafy vegetables. The method of checking depends on the vegetables.

Why are green beans not kosher for Passover? ›

This group of foods—which includes rice, beans, corn and peanuts—was originally banned because the items were often mixed with wheat, which Jews refrain from eating during Passover except in the form of an unleavened flatbread called matzah, David Holzel reports for the Times of Israel.

Why did my rolls turn out tough? ›

Too much flour, or not the right kind, could be to blame. Dough made only from flour with a high or even average amount of protein (like bread flour or all-purpose flour) can become tough from overmixing. Protein gives bread structure in the form of gluten—the more you mix and move the dough, the more gluten you get.

What happens if you overcook cabbage? ›

Unappetizing texture and flavor: Overcooking can cause cabbage to become mushy, slimy, and unappetizing. It can also cause the cabbage to lose its natural sweetness and become bitter.

Why is my cabbage head not firm? ›

Inconsistent Watering:

Winter staples like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower need a steady water supply to thrive and form a plump, compact head. Inconsistent watering can disrupt the development process and lead to loose or underwhelming heads. Cabbage, in particular, is sensitive to water fluctuations.

How long does cabbage take to go soft? ›

How to boil cabbage. Put the cabbage leaves or shredded cabbage in a large pan and cover halfway with water. Bring to the boil and cook for 3-5 mins or until tender.

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