Vegetable-based dishes have become more popular due to their vibrant flavors, nutritional benefits, and versatility. This recipe, featuring Chinese cabbage and fresh vegetables, offers a delightful twist on classic cabbage rolls. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe, with crispy cabbage rolls filled with a savory potato and vegetable mixture, perfect as a snack or main course. The fried coating gives these rolls a delightful crunch, making them irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 Chinese cabbage, chopped
- 4 new potatoes, boiled and diced
- 1 red onion, chopped
- Olive oil, for frying
- 2 colored bell peppers (any color), chopped
- 2 chili peppers, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp (15 g) salt
For Wrapping:
- 3 eggs
- 3 tbsp (24 g) flour
- 100 g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs
- Olive oil, for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Filling
Soak the Chinese Cabbage
Begin by preparing the Chinese cabbage. Place the chopped cabbage in a large baking dish and cover it with water. Let it soak for about 30 minutes. This step softens the cabbage, making it easier to roll later on.
Cook the Potatoes
While the cabbage is soaking, peel the new potatoes and cook them in salted water until they are soft. Boiling the potatoes ahead of time ensures they’ll mash smoothly, providing a creamy texture for the filling.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pan, heat a splash of olive oil over low heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté it for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Next, add the chopped bell peppers and chili peppers to the pan. Continue cooking over medium heat until all the vegetables are tender. This step builds the savory base of your filling, while the chili peppers add a hint of heat.
Mix the Filling
Once the potatoes are cooked and soft, drain them and mash them into a puree. Add the sautéed onion, peppers, and chilies to the mashed potatoes, then mix well. Season with salt, ensuring all the flavors are well combined. Set the filling aside while you prepare the cabbage leaves for wrapping.
2. Wrapping It Up
Prepare the Coating
In a bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until smooth. Gradually add the flour to the eggs, whisking until well combined. This mixture will serve as the first layer of coating for your cabbage rolls. In a separate bowl, place the breadcrumbs, which will add the crunchy texture after frying.
Fill the Cabbage Leaves
After the cabbage has soaked and softened, remove it from the water and carefully cut it in half. Gently separate the cabbage leaves. Take each leaf and place a spoonful of the potato-vegetable mixture in the center. Roll the leaf around the filling, tucking in the sides to form neat little parcels.
3. Coating and Frying
Coat the Rolls
Once the cabbage rolls are filled, it’s time to coat them. First, dip each roll into the egg and flour mixture, ensuring that it’s fully covered. Next, roll the cabbage in breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy exterior.
Fry to Perfection
In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated cabbage rolls in the pan. Fry each roll until it is golden brown on all sides, turning them occasionally to ensure even frying. The crisp exterior combined with the soft and savory filling creates a fantastic textural contrast.
4. Serving with Love
After frying, remove the cabbage rolls from the pan and let them rest briefly on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Serve the cabbage rolls warm, as they are best enjoyed fresh from the pan. The crispy outer layer and the flavorful, creamy filling make these rolls incredibly satisfying.
Dressing and Side Dish Options
While these cabbage rolls are delicious on their own, you can enhance their flavor by serving them with a variety of dressings or sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Tangy Tomato Sauce: A simple tomato sauce with a hint of garlic and herbs complements the richness of the cabbage rolls.
- Yogurt-Dill Sauce: For a refreshing contrast, try a yogurt-based dip with fresh dill and lemon juice.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light and crunchy green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the richness of the rolls.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve the rolls alongside roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and sweet potatoes, for a more substantial meal.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fiber: 5 g
These vegetable-filled cabbage rolls offer a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy fresh produce. The combination of textures—from the crispy coating to the soft filling—makes them a hit with any crowd. You’ll want to cook them twice a week, just like we do! Whether for lunch, dinner, or even as a party snack, this recipe is sure to be a favorite in your kitchen.
