Quinoa & Bacon Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Recipe Adapted From:
Return of the Garden Food Blog & The Lovely Sarah Slocombe
 
1 medium head of cabbage
2 c. cooked quinoa
1 – 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
3 celery sticks, finely chopped
3 clove of garlic, minced
6 thick strips of bacon
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1/8 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp. fresh thyme or 1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried rosemary
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tbsp. corn starch
2 cups of tomato or pasta sauce

 

Core the end of the cabbage (be careful to keep the leaves intact). Steam the entire cabbage in a large pot until soft (about 8-10 minutes).

2. While the cabbage is steaming, slice the bacon & cook on medium-high heat until brown & crispy. Remove from heat & transfer to a plate lined with paper towel.

3. Saute the onion, celery & carrot in the bacon fat until soft. Add in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, cornstarch and all the herbs/seasonings. Saute for 1 minute and remove from heat.

4. In a mixing bowl combine cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, bacon, and ½- ¾ cup of the tomato or pasta sauce. Mix well.

5. Carefully remove the cabbage from the pot. Very gently, pull each cabbage leaf away from the head.  Lay a cabbage leaf on your work surface and add a spoonful of filling in the center. Fold in the side of the leaf and roll it up; tuck it into the prepared baking dish seam side down. Repeat for the remaining leaves and filling.

6. Once the dish is full, slowly pour the remaining tomato or pasta sauce over the rolls.

7.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 30 minutes. Serves 4-6.

Bon Apetit !

r xo