Romanian Stuffed Cabbage Soup (Ciorbă de Varză cu Sarmale)
Ciorbă de Varză cu Sarmale is a traditional Romanian soup that combines the flavors of cabbage and stuffed cabbage rolls, known as sarmale. This hearty and flavorful soup is a staple in Romanian cuisine, especially during the winter months.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 500g ground pork
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 carrots, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage leaves by carefully removing them from the head and blanching them in boiling water for a few minutes. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the ground pork, rice, chopped onion, grated carrots, salt, and pepper. Use this mixture to stuff the blanched cabbage leaves, creating small rolls.
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the stuffed cabbage rolls for a few minutes. Add the tomato paste and enough water to cover the rolls. Add the bay leaf and simmer for 1 hour.
- Shred the remaining cabbage and add it to the pot. Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the sour cream. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Cooking & Preparation
- Preparation time:
- 30 minutes
- Cooking time:
- 2 hours
- Total time:
- 2 hours
- Cooking method
- Stovetop
Nutritional facts per 1 serving
- Calories
- 300 per serving
- Carbohydrates
- 25g
- Protein
- 15g
- Fat
- 12g
Supplies
Large pot Bowl Knife Cutting board Tongs
Tools
Potato peeler Stove
Serving suggestions
Serve the Ciorbă de Varză cu Sarmale hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a side of crusty bread.
Tips & tricks
For a richer flavor, you can add a smoked pork hock or bacon to the soup while it simmers.
Cost
$15