Romanian Mămăligă with Sarmale (Mămăligă cu Sarmale)
Mămăligă cu Sarmale is a traditional Romanian dish that combines creamy polenta with flavorful cabbage rolls. This hearty and comforting meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large cabbage
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped dill
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the polenta by bringing water to a boil in a large pot. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal and salt. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until thickened.
- While the polenta is cooking, carefully remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until softened. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the ground pork, rice, onion, tomato sauce, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Place a spoonful of the mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll them up, tucking in the sides.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls in a large pot, seam side down. Pour in enough water to cover the rolls and simmer for 1 hour.
- Serve the cabbage rolls on a bed of creamy polenta and enjoy!
Cooking & Preparation
- Preparation time:
- 30 minutes
- Cooking time:
- 2 hours
- Total time:
- 2 hours
- Cooking method
- Stovetop
Nutritional facts per 1 serving
- Calories
- 350 per serving
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Protein
- 15g
- Fat
- 12g
Supplies
Large pot Bowl
Tools
Whisk Knife Tongs
Serving suggestions
Serve the Mămăligă cu Sarmale with a dollop of sour cream and a side of pickles for a complete meal.
Tips & tricks
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground pork with a mixture of mushrooms, rice, and vegetables.
Cost
$15