Chou farci

Chou farci is a comforting French dish featuring tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of grains and vegetables. This vegetarian version is perfect for a midnight snack, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• Green cabbage - 1 small head
• Quinoa - 100 grams
• Carrot - 1 medium, grated
• Zucchini - 1 small, grated
• Mushrooms - 100 grams, finely chopped
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Vegetable broth - 250 ml
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon, dried
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated (optional for vegetarian version)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and blanch the whole head in boiling water for about 5-7 minutes until the leaves are tender. Remove and cool.
2. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chopped mushrooms, grated carrot, and zucchini to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
4. Stir in the quinoa, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Once the quinoa mixture is ready, remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if using.
6. Carefully peel off the cabbage leaves. Lay one leaf flat, place 2-3 tablespoons of the quinoa mixture in the center, and roll it tightly, tucking in the sides. Repeat for all leaves and filling.
7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the rolled cabbage leaves in a baking dish. If desired, drizzle with a little olive oil and cover with foil.
8. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until slightly golden.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 55 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber which aids digestion.
• Packed with vitamins and minerals from vegetables, promoting overall health.

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