Mediterranean Meatless Cabbage Rolls

Notice the absence of salt in the cooking process. We're using heart healthy garlic, onion and mint to give a rich flavor to the dish. If you must, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on your portion. By using the larger grained sea salt you'll use less, reducing your sodium intake.

Total Time: 40 minutes, 4 servings of 2 rolls & 1/3 cup sauce each 

Main Ingredients

• 8 large cabbage leaves (I use green)
• 1 cup whole-wheat couscous
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, rough chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cups chopped Italian plum tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 3 tablespoons chopped Kalamata olives
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish

Preparation

1. Bring 2 1/2 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add cabbage leaves and cover. After 5 minutes reduce heat to medium and simmer until softened, about 5 minutes more.
2. Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in couscous, cover and remove from the heat and rest for 5 minutes and transfer to a large bowl to cool.
3. Transfer the cabbage leaves to a clean work surface to cool.
4. Heat oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and cook until aromatic, 2 mins. Add tomatoes, raisins, cinnamon and 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are broken down, 8 to 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile stir feta, chopped olives and 2 tablespoons mint into the couscous. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the couscous mixture at the stem end of each cabbage leaf and roll into a bundle, tucking in the sides at the last.
6. Add the cabbage rolls seam-side down. Cover and cook until the rolls are hot all the way through and the cabbage is very tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Serve the cabbage rolls topped with the sauce. Garnish with mint, if desired.

• Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 5; refrigerate sauce and cabbage rolls separately for up to 8 hours. Reheat the sauce for 5 minutes and proceed to Step 6.

Nutrition

Per serving: 325 calories; 12 g fat ( 3 g sat , 7 g mono ); 11 mg cholesterol; 49 g carbohydrates; 1 g added sugars; 11 g protein; 9 g fiber; 710 mg sodium; 498 mg potassium.