Name: Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked lentils; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 large head of cabbage; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 carrot, grated; Fresh herbs for garnish (optional); 2 cups tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano

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Are you ready for a culinary adventure that’s as easy as it is delicious? Introducing my Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls! These delightful bundles are bursting with tender lentils, fluffy rice, and a symphony of spices, all wrapped in crisp cabbage leaves. Best of all? You can whip them up in under 30 minutes! They are perfect for weeknight meals, family gatherings, or anytime you want to enjoy a hearty, healthy dish without waiting for takeout. Plus, this recipe is so versatile — you can mix and match your ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving!

What is the Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

At its heart, the Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls is a fabulous one-pan meal featuring vibrant cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of lentils and rice, simmered in a zesty sauce. Minimal prep time, high heat, and fabulous flavors make this recipe a standout. And they’re gluten-free, vegetarian, and can easily be made vegan! Serve these rolls with a side salad or some crusty bread for a quick and wholesome meal!

Why You’ll Love Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This recipe combines speed, ease, and delightful customization for the win! Here’s why you’ll be making Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls over and over again:

Quick & Effortless: With only 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll have dinner on the table in 20 minutes flat!
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The earthy lentils, fluffy rice, and aromatic spices create a flavor explosion! It’s a taste sensation that rivals any restaurant dish. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to explore other recipes like my Veggie-Stuffed Peppers Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup: Thanks to this one-pan method, you’ll be left with just one dish to wash, meaning more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pots.
Versatile for Any Night: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a long-awaited family dinner, this dish is versatile! Swap lentils for beans or add extra veggies — the possibilities are endless!
Ideal for Weeknight Wins: This dish will transform mundane Mondays into marvelous meals. The whole family will be raving about these stuffed cabbage rolls!
A Family Favorite Showstopper: Kids and adults alike adore the colorful presentation and hearty flavors. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

In short, you’ll enjoy speed, savor, and simplicity with these fabulous cabbage rolls.

Meta Info:

Fast, colorful Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with a tangy tomato sauce—perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or when you crave something vibrant and healthy.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Vegetarian

Cook Mode: Prevent your screen from going dark.

Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Ingredients

Here’s how we’re breaking down the ingredients for this fabulous dish:

Lentil and Rice Ingredients:

1 cup cooked lentils
1 cup cooked rice
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Veggies Ingredients:

1 large head of cabbage (the star of our rolls!)
1 bell pepper, chopped (for added crunch and color)
1 carrot, grated (for sweetness and extra nutrients)
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, like parsley or cilantro)

Sauce Ingredients:

2 cups tomato sauce (for a zesty base)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon vinegar (balsamic or apple cider work great)
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

Here’s how to create your Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls step-by-step:

Prep the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage. Once boiling, blanch the whole head of cabbage for about 2 minutes until slightly softened. Remove and cool. Carefully peel off the leaves.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked lentils, cooked rice, diced onion, garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Rolls: Lay a cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the lentil and rice mix near the base of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf in and then roll up tightly from the base to the tip. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same pot, heat olive oil and add the tomato sauce, vinegar, and oregano. Stir until combined.
Simmer: Carefully place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down into the sauce. Let them simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.

Nutrition:

Serving Size: 1 stuffed roll
Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see your delicious rolls!

How to Make Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Here’s your handy breakdown of how to achieve perfection with our Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:

Prep Cabbage: Boil, cool, and separate leaves.
Mix Filling: Combine lentils, rice, and spices.
Roll & Cook: Stuff leaves, simmer in sauce until heated through.

How Long Will Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Last?

Nothing beats having delicious leftovers! Here are some storage tips:

How Long… in the Fridge?

They’ll keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. Just ensure you cool them quickly before refrigeration. Reheat them in a saucepan for best results.

Can You Freeze…?

Absolutely! These beauties freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months. Much like storing the leftovers in my Vegetable Quinoa Bowls Recipe, use an airtight container to keep the rolls protected.

Signs… Gone Bad:

Look out for these spoilage signs:
- Slimy texture
- Off-smell
- Discoloration
- Any signs of mold

Which Lentil is Best for Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Choosing the right lentil fits the bill for a flavorful and tender bite.

Best Type of Lentils:

Green or brown lentils: The top picks for their earthy flavor and hearty texture!

How to Prep Lentils:

Rinse well before cooking to remove dirt, and cook until tender but not mushy.

Stabilizing:

For extra tenderness, consider coating your lentils in a mixture of spices for a burst of flavor! Check out my Spicy Lentil Soup Recipe for ideas.

Other Lentil Options:

Red lentils: Great for a quicker cook time but softer texture.
Plant-based swaps: Consider using quinoa or bulgur for a delightful twist.

Conclusion

In just 20 minutes, you can serve up a flavor-packed plate of Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls that promise satisfaction without fuss. This one-pan wonder is not only easy on the cleanup but also a comforting choice for any night of the week. So, gather your loved ones, share the joy of delicious home-cooked meals, and don’t forget to pass along this vibrantly versatile recipe!

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