Vegan Cabbage Roll Recipe

Cabbage rolls are a comforting dish that many cultures enjoy. Traditionally made with meat and rice, these rolls can be easily transformed into a delicious vegan version without losing any flavor or satisfaction. In this post, I'll guide you through a simple, tasty recipe for vegan cabbage rolls, using plant-based ground beef and vegan sausage to make it a high-protein meal.

Cabbage rolls being assembled.

Ingredients

To craft these delightful vegan cabbage rolls, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of cabbage

• 1 cup of cooked rice (about 1/3 cup uncooked)

• 300g plant-based ground beef (about one package)

• 1 vegan sausage, crumbled

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 carrot, grated

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon of paprika

• 1 teaspoon of dried dill

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

  
  

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning

• Fresh parsley and dill for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Cabbage

1. Boil the Cabbage: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Carefully add the head of cabbage and boil for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and take as many of the leaves from the head of cabbage, until you find that the leaves are not cooked. Bring water to a boil again, and cook remaining cabbage softened. Place them in a bowl of ice water to cool, which will make rolling them easier.

   
   

2. Prepare the rice: Cook rice according to package. Set aside.

   
   

3. Make the Filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and minced garlic, sautéing until they are translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in the plant-based ground beef and crumbled vegan sausage, along with paprika, dill, salt, and pepper. Cook until everything is heated through, about 5 more minutes.

   
   

4. Combine with Rice: Once the skillet ingredients are well mixed, add the cooked rice to the mixture. Stir together and remove from heat.

   
   

Assembling the Cabbage Rolls

1. Fill the Leaves: Take a blanched cabbage leaf and place about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling at the base. Fold in the sides and roll it up tightly from the base to the tip. Lay the cabbage rolls seam-side down in a large baking dish in a single layer. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling until all are rolled.

   
   

2. Add the Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with seasoning or fresh dill and parsley.

   
   

Cooked cabbage rolls topped with parsley.

Baking the Cabbage Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.

After baking, let the cabbage rolls cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh dill and sprinkle nutritional yeast on top for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These vegan cabbage rolls constitute a complete meal on their own. However, they also pair wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.

You can store these rolls in the refrigerator for up to five days, making them an excellent option for meal prep. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy them later!

A Delicious Vegan Alternative

This vegan cabbage roll recipe is a heartwarming meal filled with plant-based goodness. It is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests. The combination of plant-based ground beef and vegan sausage blends perfectly with the soft cabbage and rich flavors of the marinara.

Try this recipe for a delightful, comforting dish without any animal products. You may just find a new favorite comfort food in these delicious vegan cabbage rolls. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with others. Happy cooking!