Stuffed Savoy Cabbage Rolls with Rice and Pumpkin

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PRESENTATION

If you are in the mood for something delicious and a bit different, these pumpkin stuffed cabbage rolls are a must-try. I mean, really, they're a fusion dish that blends Japanese-inspired rice with traditional Italian verza cabbage. It's both tender and a little sweet—which is great. The rice has this unique vibe, thanks to a vinegar-sugar mix, kinda like sushi rice, adding a nice tangy kick. And the pumpkin? It's cooked until golden and a touch crispy, with a splash of soy sauce—seriously, you'll love the aroma.

The cabbage acts as a natural wrap, offering a mild, earthy flavor that just works with the moist rice and sweet pumpkin. And up in northern Italy, they really celebrate autumn veggies with cabbage wraps. But here's the thing: this recipe twists tradition by adding some Asian-inspired flavors. So, it's both familiar and novel, you know?

These rice stuffed cabbage rolls are perfect as an appetizer or even as a vegetarian main dish when you want to surprise your guests. They're different from the usual hearty, rich stuffed cabbage dishes. The sweet and tangy hints really stand out. If you're into exploring new tastes, you'll find the soy-caramelized pumpkin and sushi-style rice are way, way better together. It's not your typical cabbage roll recipe—that's the whole point. It is fun, light and cozy, all thanks to the warm, tender cabbage leaves.

For those who love plant-based meals, this healthy cabbage roll recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy autumn produce and mix up seasoning styles. Whether you're prepping pumpkin cabbage rolls for a dinner party or just seeking a fresh twist on vegetarian dishes, this fusion recipe brings Italy and Japan right to your table. Try it next time you're craving something comforting yet adventurous, and enjoy the good blend of cultures on your plate. It's pretty simple.

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INGREDIENTS

For 6 rolls
Verza (savoy cabbage) 6 leaves
Delica pumpkin 1.1 cups (250 g) - (to clean)
Soy sauce 2 spoonfuls
Sugar ½ tsp
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
For the rice
Carnaroli rice ¾ cup (150 g)
Water 1.9 cups (450 g)
Apple cider vinegar 2 spoonfuls
Sugar ½ tsp
Fine salt 1 pinch
Preparation

How to prepare Stuffed Savoy Cabbage Rolls with Rice and Pumpkin

To prepare the Savoy cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and pumpkin, first detach the largest cabbage leaves 1 and blanch them for a few minutes 2, then immerse them in a bowl with cold water and ice 3; this way the color will remain bright. Drain the Savoy cabbage leaves and let them dry on a rack.

Move on to the pumpkin: remove the seeds and inner strands 4 and peel it, then cut it into slices 5 and finally into cubes 6.

Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan, add the pumpkin 7 and sauté for a few minutes, then deglaze with soy sauce 8 and add half a teaspoon of sugar. Let it caramelize, then turn off the heat and set aside 9.

Now proceed to cook the rice: bring a pot of water to a boil, then salt 10 and add the rice 11. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 15 minutes 12. After this time, turn off the heat and let it rest, still covered: the rice should absorb all the water.

Meanwhile, pour the apple cider vinegar 13, sugar 14, and salt into a small saucepan. Stir and heat to dissolve everything, without bringing to a boil 15.

When the rice is ready, transfer it to a bowl and season with the vinegar mixture 16, mix well 17, and cover with a damp cloth 18. Let it cool.

You are ready to assemble the rolls: lay a cabbage leaf on the work surface and cut off the end of the stem 19, then stuff it with a tablespoon of rice in the center 20 and a tablespoon of pumpkin 21.

Roll the cabbage leaf on itself 22 and fold the ends inward to seal the filling 23. Proceed in this way to form the other rolls, then place them in a pan with a drizzle of hot oil 34.

Sauté the Savoy cabbage rolls on both sides 25 until they are nicely golden 26. Serve your Savoy cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and pumpkin accompanied by a small bowl of soy sauce 27!

Storage

The Savoy cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and pumpkin can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 days in an airtight container.

Tip

To close the rolls, you can help yourself by wetting your hands in a bowl with water and vinegar.

You can also accompany the Savoy cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and pumpkin with a homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce, if you prefer!

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.