Air Fryer Recipe: Mediterranean Quinoa & Feta Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Air Fryer Mediterranean Quinoa & Feta Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

These Air Fryer Mediterranean Quinoa & Feta Stuffed Cabbage Rolls offer a vibrant and flavourful vegetarian twist on a classic comfort food. Tender cabbage leaves embrace a hearty and zesty filling of fluffy quinoa, salty feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fragrant herbs. Air frying imparts a gentle crispness to the cabbage edges while keeping the filling moist and flavourful.1 The taste is a delightful fusion of earthy cabbage, nutty quinoa, salty feta, tangy tomatoes and olives, all brightened by fresh herbs – a truly satisfying and wholesome dish with a Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 8 large outer leaves from a head of green or Savoy cabbage
• Water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable broth or water (optional, if filling seems dry)

Optional Topping:

• 2 tablespoons marinara sauce or a drizzle of balsamic glaze

Instructions and Method:

1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

* Carefully remove the outer leaves from the cabbage. You may need to gently loosen them near the core with a knife.

* Place the cabbage leaves in the boiling water, a few at a time, for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly softened and pliable.

* Carefully remove the blanched leaves with tongs and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their colour.

* Once cooled, gently pat the cabbage leaves dry with paper towels. If the thick rib at the base of the leaf is prominent, you can carefully slice it thinly with a knife to make rolling easier, without cutting through the leaf.

2. Prepare the Mediterranean Filling:

* Heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.2

* In a medium bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with the cooked quinoa, crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, fresh oregano, and dried Italian herbs.

* Season the filling with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be mindful of the saltiness of the feta and olives when seasoning.

* If the mixture seems a little dry, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable broth or water to moisten it slightly. Mix everything together thoroughly.

3. Assemble the Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls:

* Lay a blanched cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface with the stem end facing you.

* Place a spoonful (about 2-3 tablespoons) of the quinoa and feta filling in the centre of the leaf, near the stem end.

* Fold the sides of the cabbage leaf inward over the filling.

* Starting from the stem end, tightly roll up the leaf to form a neat roll.

* Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

4. Prepare for Air Frying:

* Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes.

* Lightly grease the air fryer basket or line it with parchment paper.

5. Air Fry the Cabbage Rolls:

* Place the assembled cabbage rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, seam-side down if possible to help them stay closed. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.

* Air fry for 10-15 minutes, or until the cabbage leaves are slightly browned and the rolls are heated through. Check for doneness around the 10-minute mark.

6. Serve:

* Carefully remove the air-fried vegetarian cabbage rolls from the basket.

* Arrange them on a serving plate and, if desired, drizzle with marinara sauce or a balsamic glaze for added flavour and visual appeal. Serve hot.

Tips:

• Choose the Right Cabbage: Green or Savoy cabbage leaves work best as they are flexible enough to roll without tearing easily.
• Blanching is Key: Don't skip the blanching step, as it softens the leaves and makes them pliable for rolling.
• Pat Dry: Ensure the blanched cabbage leaves are thoroughly dried before filling to prevent soggy rolls.
• Don't Overfill: Overfilling can make the rolls difficult to close and may cause them to burst during cooking.³
• Secure the Rolls: If your rolls tend to unroll, you can secure them with toothpicks before air frying (remember to remove them before serving). Placing them seam-side down in the air fryer can also help.
• Single Layer Cooking: For even cooking and slight browning, cook the cabbage rolls in a single layer in the air fryer.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryer cooking times can vary. Keep an eye on the rolls and adjust the time as needed.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the cabbage rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time if they are cold.
• Customise the Filling: Feel free to adapt the filling to your preferences. You could add other Mediterranean vegetables like chopped bell peppers or zucchini, or use different herbs.

Enjoy these unique and flavourful Air Fryer Mediterranean Quinoa & Feta Stuffed Cabbage Rolls!