Comfort Cabbage Rolls
Reviving Tradition: Easy and Delicious Veggie Cabbage Rolls
At Serenity Spice Blends, we cherish the nostalgia and warmth that comes with family recipes passed down through generations. Today, we're excited to share a delightful variation of a treasured recipe found in my grandmother's recipe book: Veggie Cabbage Rolls. These rolls are not only easy to make but are also packed with wholesome ingredients and the comforting flavors of our signature spice blend.
Comfort Spice contains: marjoram, rosemary and thyme
Herb Profiles: The Stars of Serenity’s Comfort Spice Blend - Comfort Spice
Marjoram:
Taste Profile: Marjoram is a delicate herb with a sweet, floral, and slightly citrusy flavor. It adds a subtle, aromatic touch to dishes, making it a versatile addition to various recipes.
Growing on Mayne Island: Marjoram thrives in well-drained soil and requires full sun. With Mayne Island's mild climate and rich soil, this herb can flourish beautifully, providing you with fresh marjoram year-round.
Rosemary:
Taste Profile: Rosemary has a robust, piney, and slightly peppery flavor with hints of lemon and mint. It imparts a savory depth to dishes, making it a favorite in many kitchens.
Growing on Mayne Island: Rosemary is well-suited to Mayne Island's temperate climate. It prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight. Once established, this hardy herb can thrive with minimal maintenance.
Thyme:
Taste Profile: Thyme boasts a warm, earthy flavor with minty, lemony undertones. It's a versatile herb that enhances the taste of a wide range of dishes, from soups to roasted vegetables.
The Health Benefits of Eating Cabbage
Cabbage is not just a versatile and tasty vegetable; it’s also packed with nutrients that offer numerous health benefits. One of the most notable benefits of cabbage is its high vitamin C content. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, promotes healthy skin, and aids in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
A Historical Nugget: Back in the day, sailors on long voyages would bring cabbage on board to help prevent scurvy—a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. The high vitamin C content in cabbage made it an essential part of their diet, keeping the sailors healthy and strong during their journeys.
Incorporating cabbage into your meals can also provide you with fiber, vitamin K, and various phytonutrients that support overall health. Whether you're enjoying it in a fresh salad, a hearty stew, or these delightful cabbage rolls, you're reaping the benefits of this nutritious vegetable.
These veggie cabbage rolls are a celebration of heritage and the comforting embrace of home-cooked meals. At Serenity Spice Blends, we’re passionate about infusing everyday dishes with the warmth and richness of our handcrafted spice blends. Whether you're sharing this meal with loved ones or savoring it solo, we hope this recipe brings a sense of nostalgia and delight to your table. Happy cooking!
Flavor Enhancing Tip: Making Comfort Cabbage Rolls Easier
As someone who loves making comforting dishes like cabbage rolls, I've found that using dried herbs not only enhances the flavor but also simplifies the cooking process. For example, instead of using fresh thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, I use our Serenity Spice Blends' Comfort Spice Blend, which combines these dried herbs perfectly. This saves me time and ensures a consistent, delicious result every time I make my favorite comfort food.
Incorporating dried herbs into your recipes is a simple yet effective way to elevate your cooking. Their convenience, versatility, and nutritional benefits make them an essential ingredient in any kitchen. So, next time you're preparing a meal, don't forget to reach for those dried herbs and enjoy the burst of flavor they bring to your dishes!
Cooking Tip: Efficiently Preparing Cabbage for Cabbage Rolls
When it comes to making cabbage rolls, the traditional method often involves boiling the entire cabbage head in a pot. While this method works, I've discovered a more efficient technique that not only saves time but also reduces waste. Instead of boiling the whole cabbage, try this: separate each leaf individually and boil them in salted water.
This approach offers several benefits:
Time-Saver: Boiling individual leaves takes significantly less time than cooking the entire cabbage head.
Reduced Waste: By only boiling the leaves, you're left with the smaller inner parts of the cabbage that can be repurposed for another dish, rather than ending up in the compost.
I used to find making cabbage rolls a bit daunting due to the time it required. But since adopting this method, I've found myself making this comforting dish more frequently. The shorter prep time means I can enjoy these delicious rolls without feeling overwhelmed by the process. Plus, it feels great knowing that I'm making the most out of every part of the cabbage, turning potential waste into a tasty ingredient for other recipes.
Try this tip next time you're making cabbage rolls, and you might just find yourself cooking them more often too!
Savor the Last Bite
As you savor each bite of your Comfort Cabbage Rolls, let the warmth and nostalgia of this cherished family recipe embrace you. The rich, savory filling combined with the aromatic spices from our Comfort Spice Blend creates a dish that's both comforting and nourishing. Every mouthful brings a sense of home and tradition, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
We'd love to hear how your cabbage rolls turned out! Did you add your own special twist or use a different spice blend? Share your creations and tips in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this recipe, don't forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Let's continue to create heartwarming meals together and make every bite count. Happy cooking!
Cabbage Roll Ingredients:
10-12 large savoy cabbage leaves
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
2 carrots (grated)
10 brown mushrooms (finely chopped)
4 leaves of kale (stalk removed, finely chopped)
½ leek (finely chopped)
2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
1 cup basmati rice
1 tbsp avocado oil or tallow
1 tsp Comfort Spice Blend (marjoram, rosemary, thyme)
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp sea salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
Sweet Comfort Sauce Ingredients:
3 cups cooked cabbage water
½ cup tomato sauce
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 cloves fresh garlic
½ cup finely diced white onion
1 tbsp avocado oil or tallow
1 tsp Comfort Spice Blend (marjoram, rosemary, thyme)
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp oregano
¼ tsp pink Himalayan salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
3 tbsp cornstarch
¼ cup cold water
Sweet Comfort Sauce Directions:
1. Sauté onions in a pan with oil and spices until softened, then add fresh garlic.
2. Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup of cabbage water.
3. Cook until onions are soft.
4. Add remaining water, tomato sauce, and sugar; cook on medium-high heat until boiling.
5. Whisk together cornstarch and cold water; add to the pot and cook until thickened. Keep warm.
Cabbage Roll Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Boil cabbage leaves in a large pot with a pinch of salt (save the boiled water).
3. Prepare veggies as per ingredient list and sauté in a Dutch oven with oil and spices until soft. Add fresh garlic and leeks near the end to avoid burning.
4. Cook rice as per package instructions (reserve ½ for serving).
5. Combine the other half of the cooked rice with the sautéed veggies.
6. Lay out cabbage leaves in an ovenproof dish and ladle the rice and veggie mixture into each leaf, then roll.
7. Drizzle sauce over cabbage rolls (reserving some sauce for serving) and bake for 22 minutes.
8. Serve on top of rice and drizzle with more sauce. Enjoy!
Pro Tip: Use a mortar and pestle to break up the spices and release more flavor.
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