Cabbage As a Kid
When you have fresh oregano and cabbage coming along nicely in the garden it’s time to make some Oregano & Mushroom Cabbage Rolls! Do you remember as a kid not wanting to try cabbage because of the smell? I do too! I’m not sure what made me try it…..oh wait! YES, I do. My mom would make the classic southern cabbage casserole with butter, cheese and crackers!
Yep, that’s how my siblings and friends grew up. But the good thing is we developed a taste for the natural sweetness of cabbage. So, as we got older we learned to try it other ways. Maturity makes us try new things doesn’t it? We want more out of life, and to provide more for those around us. The benefits of which, reap rewards for years to come. Keep in mind, some of the nutrients in this amazing food is lost when we boil it, like it’s vitamin C.(1) It is much better to make a fermented sauerkraut to retain this vital nutrient.
Benefits of Oregano, Mushroom, & Cabbage
However, for this dish, we will steam the cabbage to try and retain some of it’s vitamins, while releasing some of it’s antioxidant potential.
Cooking or steaming cabbage can release the antioxidant kaempferol that has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, cardioprotective, and antidiabetic properties. This is one food you definitely want in your arsenal to fight disease! (3)
The highest amount of flavonoids have been found in parsley, dill, oregano, celery, and fennel! Fresh herbs you can grow yourself and add to your dishes each day for flavor and nutrition (2). Therefore, growing oregano can benefit your entire family. God’s amazing plan for your health began the third day of creation and is still in effect today. So, take advantage of this beautiful herb for it’s anticancer effects! You will also experience beneficial cardiovascular effects, antimicrobial benefits, and more!
Mushrooms are also high in polyphenols, polysaccharides, anti-cancer, improve immune system, and help with diabetes.
God’s Provision
The bottom line, as I always say is “What God put in the garden is good!”
I was reading Luke chapter 12 today. There are so many principles in this passage of scripture that help me and you appreciate everything God provides. Jesus basically tells his disciples not to worry, and not to hoard up things for themselves. He reminds them to be faithfully wise managers of everything.
Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
Luke 12 ESV – Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees – Bible Gateway
We learn in this passage and throughout scripture that wise choices, trusting God, and submitting our lives to Him are for our benefit. The honor and privilege of abundant sources of nutrition strengthens our bodies for the mission field around us! Our families, neighbors, friends, and coworkers will know of His great love. So, I hope you have time to try these Oregano & Mushroom Cabbage Rolls this week! Your cells with thank you!
Here is the Recipe!
Oregano & Mushroom Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 Medium Head Organic Cabbage
- 3 Medium Carrots, finely sliced
- 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 Small Onions or one large Halved and chopped
- 1 Package Organic Shitake Mushrooms
- 1 Cup Precooked Quinoa or Whole Grain Rice
- 2 Lbs. Lean Grass Fed Beef
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Chopped Oregano
- 1/2 Tsp. Salt
- 1 Tsp. Onion Powder or No Salt Seasoning
Instructions
- 1. Core and slice your head of cabbage in half. Place in a colander thin put it inside a large pot with shallow water and steam until just tender, about 20-30 min.
- 2. Meanwhile, sauté your lean ground beef with minced garlic, 1/2 of the onions (save the other half for toppings), two of the carrots (save one for topping), 1/2 of the mushrooms (save the other half for topping) , salt, onion powder, and/or no salt spice blend. (about 20min)
- 3. When the ground beef is browned and the vegetables tender and the cabbaged cooled you can assemble and roll the beef mixture on the individual cabbage leaves and roll. When the beef is done, at the very end, add the fresh chopped oregano. **Be sure to let the cabbage cool enough to handle, this is why the prep time is longer, You can go clean the house or something while you wait. **
- 4. Place the rolled cabbage leaves into a lightly oiled 9×13 pan. I use organic extra virgin olive oil for this and leave a tablespoon to brush onto the cabbage rolls once the pan is filled.
- 5. I use a vegetable peeler to slice thin carrots over the cabbage rolls. I also add the remaining sliced mushrooms, onions, sprinkle with onion powder and salt and a tablespoon of fresh oregano.
- 6. I bake this dish at 350 degrees for about 20 min.
Nutrition
For more delicious healthy recipes see the garden and remember, “What God puts in the garden is good!”
References:
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Kaempferol: A Key Emphasis to Its Anticancer Potential – PubMed (nih.gov)
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Luteolin, a flavonoid with potential for cancer prevention and therapy – PubMed (nih.gov)
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Pharmacological Activity of Eriodictyol: The Major Natural Polyphenolic Flavanone – PubMed (nih.gov)
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