Vegan Fine Dining Romanian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 cup of rice
• 1 cup of lentils
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• 2 cups of tomato passata
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Dill oil for drizzling
• Edible flower petals for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Carefully peel off the cabbage leaves, blanch them in the boiling water until they are soft and pliable. Remove the leaves and set aside to cool.

3. In a separate pot, cook the rice and lentils according to package instructions until they are al dente.

4. In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the cooked rice and lentils to the pan. Season with smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

5. Take a cabbage leaf, place a portion of the rice and lentil mixture in the center, and roll it up tightly.

6. Place the cabbage rolls in a baking dish, seam side down.

7. In a bowl, mix the vegetable broth and tomato passata. Pour this mixture over the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are submerged halfway.

8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the cabbage rolls are tender.

9. Once cooked, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the tops to brown slightly.

10. To serve, gently place a cabbage roll on a plate, spoon some of the tomato sauce over it. Drizzle with dill oil, sprinkle with fresh parsley and edible flower petals for a burst of color.

11. Serve hot and enjoy your unique Vegan Fine Dining Romanian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls!

Flavor Profile Explanation:

This Vegan Fine Dining Romanian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce offers a harmonious blend of savory cabbage, hearty rice, and lentils, complemented by the richness of the tomato sauce and the aromatic dill oil. The addition of smoked paprika and thyme adds depth to the dish, while the edible flower petals provide a delicate and elegant touch. The interplay of flavors and textures creates a memorable dining experience that is sure to impress your guests.