Hearty Vegan Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe for Cozy Nights

Chilly evenings call for comfort food that warms the soul with vegan unstuffed cabbage rolls bursting with rich, satisfying flavors.

These delectable rolls pack a nutritional punch without compromising on taste or texture.

Packed with wholesome ingredients, this one-pot wonder delivers a delightful blend of herbs and spices that dance across your palate.

Tender cabbage pieces mingle with hearty grains and protein-packed plant-based ingredients, creating a deeply satisfying meal.

Each forkful brings a comforting blend of traditional and modern culinary techniques.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a robust, flavorful dish that even meat-lovers will adore.

Prepare to be surprised by how deliciously simple plant-based cooking can be.

Steps To Cook Vegan Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Kickstart the Base

Heat up a large pot with a splash of olive oil. Toss in diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped carrots. Sizzle and dance these veggies around for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.

• Welcome the Cabbage

Throw in the chopped cabbage and let it mingle with the aromatic vegetables. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften and reduce.

• Build the Flavor Landscape

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and a dollop of tomato paste. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Swirl everything together to create a delicious harmony.

• Let the Magic Simmer

Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the mixture gently bubble for 15-20 minutes. Occasionally stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The cabbage should become beautifully tender.

• Final Touch

Fold in the cooked lentils and rice, blending them seamlessly into the mix. Allow everything to cuddle together for an additional 5 minutes.

• Ready to Devour

Shower with fresh parsley and serve piping hot. Enjoy your hearty, plant-powered meal!

Tips To Make Vegan Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Better

• Texture Trick: For a heartier texture, slightly undercook the lentils and rice before adding them to the pot, allowing them to finish cooking in the tomato sauce.
• Meal Prep Magic: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Protein Power-Up
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to make the dish mild or extra spicy. For heat lovers, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly vegetable broth and any packaged seasonings to make this recipe completely gluten-free.

Serving Vegan Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls With Ease

• Garden Fresh Plating: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a vibrant green pop and added herbal freshness that complements the hearty vegetable base.
• Protein Power Bowl: Serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice to boost protein content and create a more substantial meal with extra nutrients and texture.
• Creamy Comfort Topping: Add a dollop of vegan cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt for a cool, tangy contrast against the warm, spiced tomato sauce.
• Crunchy Companion: Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that elevates the dish's overall eating experience.

Store Vegan Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls For Later

• Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare a double recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick, delicious meals during busy weeks. Perfect for work lunches or hectic dinner nights.
• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in sealed containers for up to 4-5 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety. Gently reheat on stovetop or microwave to maintain texture.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Let the dish sit overnight in refrigerator to allow seasonings to deepen and meld, creating even more robust taste profiles when reheated.
• Versatile Meal Transformation: Use remaining cabbage mixture as filling for stuffed bell peppers, wrapped in tortillas, or mixed with additional grains for a completely new meal experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Used In Vegan Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Olive Oil: Provides rich, smooth foundation for sautéing vegetables and creating deep flavor layers.
• Onion: Adds sweet, caramelized undertones and aromatic base for the entire dish.
• Garlic: Delivers sharp, pungent flavor that enhances overall taste profile.
• Carrot: Introduces subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the mixture.

• Cabbage: Brings hearty texture, mild earthy flavor, and nutritional density to the dish.
• Tomatoes: Creates tangy, rich sauce with bright acidic notes.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides smooth, concentrated tomato essence.
• Tomato Paste: Deepens sauce complexity and adds robust tomato concentration.
• Vegetable Broth: Enhances liquid base with savory, wholesome undertones.

• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky, warm depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Oregano: Offers classic Mediterranean herbal notes.
• Cumin: Delivers warm, earthy spice signature.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies all ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Contributes gentle, zingy heat.
• Lentils: Provides plant-based protein and hearty, satisfying texture.
• Rice: Adds comforting, filling grain component.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh garnish with herbal freshness.

What Tools You Need For Vegan Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Large pot: Essential for sauteing aromatics and cooking the entire dish.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, carrot, and cabbage.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for precise vegetable chopping.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure broth, spices, and seasonings.
• Can opener: Useful for opening tomato cans if needed.

Hearty Vegan Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Polish-inspired unstuffed cabbage rolls bring hearty comfort to plant-based dinner tables. Savory lentils, rice, and tender cabbage strips combine in a simple one-pot meal that satisfies with rich, warming flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 5 cups)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 medium carrot, shredded
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• ½ cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Flavor Foundation: Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil until translucent, developing a rich aromatic base for the dish.
2. Vegetable Integration: Fold chopped cabbage into the pot, allowing it to soften and absorb the initial layer of seasoned flavors while releasing its inherent sweetness.
3. Liquid Layering: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and tomato paste, creating a robust and velvety sauce that will envelop the ingredients.
4. Spice Awakening: Sprinkle smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, transforming the mixture into a complex flavor profile with nuanced warmth.
5. Simmering Harmony: Reduce heat, cover the pot, and allow ingredients to meld together, coaxing the cabbage into a tender, succulent state while intensifying the overall taste.
6. Protein and Grain Fusion: Gently incorporate pre-cooked lentils and rice, ensuring they absorb the surrounding flavors and become fully integrated into the dish’s texture and taste.
7. Final Flourish: Garnish with fresh parsley, adding a vibrant green element that brings brightness and visual appeal to the comforting one-pot meal.

Notes

• Sauté with Care: Ensure vegetables are softened without burning by stirring frequently and maintaining medium heat, which develops deeper flavor complexity.
• Liquid Balance: Add vegetable broth gradually to control consistency, preventing the dish from becoming too watery or dry; aim for a slightly saucy texture that coats ingredients.
• Spice Adjustment: Customize heat levels by modifying red pepper flakes quantity; start conservatively and taste, allowing personal preference to guide seasoning intensity.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap lentils with quinoa or chickpeas for varied protein sources, making the recipe adaptable for different dietary needs and maintaining nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg