Russian Monday: Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Quinoa, Onions & Carrots (gluten & dairy free)

My recipe of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls became very popular, and now I would like to present you a liter version of the same. It is vegetarian, gluten free and, if you omit sour cream, it would be dairy free also. New Year always starts with new resolutions and eating healthy is often one of them. So why not to make healthy food to taste great as well? Stuffed cabbage rolls can be your main dish or side to roasted chicken or beef. Also this time I have used a different type of cabbage with softer texture and sweeter taste. All around, it is simple dish with many beautiful flavors.

Cabbage is a vegetable which is often overlooked. The Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Quinoa, Onions & Carrots are richly flavored with tomatoes, white wine and herbs.

For more Russian recipes, visit Russian Cuisine page.



Ingredients:

• 1 large curly cabbage
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 tsp fresh herbs (parsley or dill), finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of white wine
• 1/2 water
• sour cream to serve (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Separate the leaves carefully form the cabbage and choose about 12 large ones. Cut of the hard stalks at the bottom. Bring a large pan of water to the boil, throw in the leaves and blanch for few minutes. Remove and refresh under cold water.

Spread the leaves out on tea-towels (dishcloths) or pepper towels to dry.

In a frying pan, sauté the onion and carrots in the oil until almost done but still a little crunchy. In a large bowl mix together the cooked quinoa, herbs, spices, cooked onion and carrots. Combine well. Spoon the mixture evenly into each cabbage leaf. Roll up, tucking in the sides. You may secure each with toothpicks.

Transfer the cabbage rolls to a baking dish. Mix together the crushed tomatoes, wine and water; pour over the cabbage rolls and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.