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These Crispy Chinese Cabbage Rolls are a delightful and flavorful way to enjoy a combination of tender vegetables wrapped in soft cabbage leaves, then coated and fried to perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these rolls offer a satisfying crunch with a savory filling. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
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For the Filling:
- 1 Chinese cabbage
- 4 new potatoes
- 1 red onion
- Olive oil (for frying)
- 2 colored peppers (red and green)
- 2 chili peppers
- 1 tablespoon of salt
For Wrapping:
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- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 100 grams (about 1 cup) of breadcrumbs
- Olive oil (for frying)
Preparation Time:
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Directions:
1. Preparing the Filling:
- Soak the Chinese Cabbage: Begin by placing the Chinese cabbage in a baking dish and covering it with water. Let it soak for 30 minutes to soften.
- Cook the Potatoes: Peel the new potatoes and cook them in salted water until soft. Once cooked, mash them into a puree.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a separate pan, heat olive oil over low heat. Add finely chopped red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add Peppers and Chilies: Add the chopped colored peppers and finely chopped chili peppers to the pan. Cook together until the vegetables are tender.
- Mix the Filling: Combine the mashed potatoes with the sautéed vegetables in a bowl. Mix well and season with salt to taste.
2. Wrapping It Up:
- Prepare the Coating: In one bowl, crack the eggs and beat them well. Add flour to the beaten eggs and mix until smooth. Place breadcrumbs in a separate bowl for coating.
- Fill the Cabbage Leaves: After soaking, remove the Chinese cabbage from the water and cut it in half. Carefully separate the leaves and fill each with the prepared potato-vegetable mixture. Roll the leaves tightly to enclose the filling.
3. Coating and Frying:
- Coat the Rolls: Dip each cabbage roll into the egg and flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in breadcrumbs to create a crispy exterior.
- Fry to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium flame. Fry the coated cabbage rolls until they are golden brown on all sides, turning them as needed to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the cabbage rolls with a side of tangy dipping sauce, such as a garlic yogurt dip or spicy tomato salsa.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor and color.
- Enjoy as a main dish or as part of a larger spread of appetizers.
Cooking Tips:
- Be gentle when handling the cabbage leaves to avoid tearing them.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy coating.
- For an extra kick, you can add more chili or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- If you prefer a baked version, you can bake the coated rolls at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K and provides a good source of fiber.
- Potatoes add carbohydrates and potassium, making the dish filling and satisfying.
- This dish is packed with vegetables, offering a variety of essential nutrients and antioxidants.
Dietary Information:
- This recipe is vegetarian.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for coating.
- Can be made dairy-free by ensuring all ingredients, especially the breadcrumbs, are free from dairy.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Calcium: 60mg
- Iron: 3mg
Storage:
- Store leftover cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan or oven to maintain crispiness before serving.
- These rolls can be frozen before frying. Thaw and fry when ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a unique twist on traditional cabbage rolls, with a crispy, flavorful exterior.
- The combination of spices and fresh vegetables makes it both healthy and delicious.
- Perfect for serving as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, making it versatile for any meal.
- It’s an impressive dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, with layers of texture and taste.
Conclusion: Your Crispy Chinese Cabbage Rolls are now ready to be served with love. The golden, crunchy exterior combined with the savory potato-vegetable filling creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite dressing or side dish, these rolls are bound to impress. Get creative with your presentation and enjoy this delicious, homemade treat!
10 Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of cabbage?
- Yes, you can use Savoy cabbage or Napa cabbage as an alternative to Chinese cabbage.
- Can these rolls be baked instead of fried?
- Yes, you can bake them at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- What can I use instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option?
- You can use crushed cornflakes, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or ground nuts.
- How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing?
- Soak the cabbage leaves in warm water to soften them, making them easier to handle.
- Can I prepare the rolls in advance?
- Yes, you can assemble the rolls ahead of time and fry them just before serving.
- What other vegetables can I add to the filling?
- You can add grated carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
- Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
- Substitute the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture and use vegan mayonnaise in the dip.
- How do I keep the rolls crispy after frying?
- Place them on a wire rack after frying to allow excess oil to drain and keep them crispy.
- Can I use this recipe with a meat filling?
- Yes, ground meat like beef, turkey, or chicken can be added to the vegetable mixture.
- What dipping sauces pair well with these rolls?
- Garlic yogurt dip, spicy mayo, or a simple lemon and olive oil dressing are great options.