Romanian Sarmale with Mămăligă (Sarmale cu Mămăligă)

Sarmale cu Mămăligă is a traditional Romanian dish that consists of cabbage rolls filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat and rice, served with a side of creamy Mămăligă (polenta). This hearty and comforting meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special celebration.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Main Course Balkan Romanian Cuisine Cabbage Rolls Mmlig Traditional Recipe
Romanian Sarmale with Mămăligă (Sarmale cu Mămăligă)

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cabbage
  • 500g ground pork
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 cups cornmeal
  • 4 cups water for the mămăligă

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the cabbage leaves, blanch them in the boiling water for a few minutes until they are pliable, then remove and set aside to cool.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the ground pork, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Take a cabbage leaf and place a small amount of the meat and rice mixture in the center. Roll the leaf, tucking in the sides, to form a tight roll. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
  4. Place the cabbage rolls in a large pot, seam side down, and pour 6 cups of water over them. Cover the pot and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the rolls are fully cooked.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare the mămăligă by bringing 4 cups of water to a boil in a separate pot. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 20-30 minutes until the mămăligă is thick and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
  6. Serve the sarmale hot with a generous portion of creamy mămăligă on the side.

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
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large pot Bowl Whisk

Tools

Knife Cutting board Wooden spoon

Serving suggestions

Sarmale cu Mămăligă is traditionally served with a dollop of sour cream on top and a side of pickles for a burst of acidity.

Tips & tricks

For a vegetarian version, the ground pork can be replaced with a mixture of mushrooms, rice, and spices.

Cost

$15