Christmas Menu Part 3 - Savoy cabbage rolls with black rice

Ingredients
Rolls
- 10-12 Savoy cabbage leaves
- 200 gr (7 oz.) black rice
- 2 shalots
- 100 gr (3.5 oz.) chestnuts (precooked)
- 100 gr (3.5 oz.) mushrooms
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 l (8.5 fl oz.) white wine
- fresh thyme
- 200 ml (1 cup) vegan cream
- paprika powder
- chili
- salt
- pepper
Brussel sprouts:
- 500 gr (18 oz.) Brussel sprouts
- 4 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 Tsp salt
- 1/2 Tsp pepper
- 25 gr (1 oz.) fresh cranberries
- 25 gr (1 oz.) hazelnuts
mushroom sauce
- 250 gr (9 oz.) mushrooms
- 1 shallot
- 1/4 l (8.5 fl oz.) white wine
- 1 Tsp lemon juice
- 200 ml (1 cup) vegan cream
- fresh thyme
- fresh parsley
- pepper
- salt
Instructions
- 1.Cook the rice according to the instructions on the package
- 2.Remove the hard stem from the savoy cabbage leaves
- 3.Blanch them in salted water for 3-4 minutes (or in a steamer) and put them in cold water
- 4.Chop the shallots and fry them in olive oil until glassy
- 5.Chop the mushrooms and chestnuts and add to the shallots
- 6.Fry for another 5 minutes and then deglaze with the white wine
- 7.Let simmer for another 5 minutes
- 8.Add the rice - mix well and add the cream and season to taste with the spices
- 9.Add 1-2 Tbsp of the filling to a Savoy cabbage leave and roll them into packages
- 10.Cook in a steamer for 30 minutes or if you don't have one, you can cook them in a pan as well
- 11.Just add some oil to a pan and roast the packages for 3-5 minutes, than add ca. 300 ml (1 1/3 cup) water with bouillon
- 12.Let simmer for 20-25 min with a closed lid
- 13.If you prepare the rolls in a steamer you can also quickly roast them in some oil for some extra fine roast aromas - but it's optional
Brussel Sprouts:
- 1.Preheat the oven to 200 C (392°F) degree
- 2.Wash the Brussel Sprouts and cut them in half
- 3.Also cut the hazelnuts and cranberries in half
- 4.Mix all the ingredients, add to a ovenproof dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until brown and crispy
Mushroom sauce:
- 1.Wash the mushrooms and cut in slices
- 2.Chop the shallot and fry in olive oil until glassy
- 3.Add the mushrooms and fry for another 5 minutes
- 4.Deglaze with white wine
- 5.Add the cream and the lemon juice and let simmer for 5 minutes (if the sauce is too thin you can add 1 Tsp starch mixed with cold water)
- 6.Season to taste with freshly chopped thyme and parsley, salt and pepper
- 7.Serve with the save cabbage rolls and the Brussels sprouts
- 8.A light white wine would be a perfect match for the dish
Notes
Tip from my kitchen: blanch the savoy cabbage leaves only briefly so they stay flexible and do not tear when you roll them. If you have a steamer, cook the parcels in it gently and sear them in a little oil just before serving for a fine roasted aroma. If the mushroom sauce is too thin, stir in 1 tsp of starch mixed with a little cold water. The filling also works with wild rice or quinoa for a nice change.