Ingredients:
- 2 cups (400g) cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 lb (450g) mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 medium (110g) onion, diced
- 3 cloves (15g) garlic, minced
- 2 carrots (120g), shredded
- 2 tbsp (28g) butter
- 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 large (2kg) head of green cabbage
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp (15ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15g) brown sugar
- 2 cloves (10g) garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, cooking until softened. Stir in the chopped mushrooms and garlic, sautéing until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn a deep mahogany-colored brown. Stir in the cooked rice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully peel off the outer leaves of the cabbage. Submerge each leaf in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are velvety and pliable. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and immediately plunge them into a bowl of cold water. Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Lay a blanched leaf flat. If the center vein is too thick, carefully shave it down with a knife. Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling near the stem end. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly toward the top. Repeat until all filling is used.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and minced garlic. Pour a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange the cabbage wraps snugly in the dish, seam-side down. Pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the cabbage edges are slightly caramelized.